ASPIRING local officials of Apalit town over the weekend signed a peace covenant to show their commitment to participate in peaceful and orderly elections this May.
The activity, spearheaded by the local police and Commission on Elections, aims to rally political bets and their supporters to lead safe and fair polls for the benefit of the voting public.
Local election officer Maria Lourdes Alfaro said the peace covenant signing serves as a reminder to candidates to be accountable for the actions they, their group and supporters are making.
“We wanted to remind them that election is a process and there are rules and regulations to follow, and their participation in this activity equates to their commitment to abide by what they have pledged to do as candidates,” she said.
Incumbent Mayor Peter Nucom, who is gunning for the vice-mayoralty post here, for his part, urged fellow candidates to make the forthcoming elections meaningful and truthful for Apaliteños.
“Election is just a day, and it’s never for us, candidates, rather for the people whose voices must be heard, and whose choices must be respected,” Nucom said.
Former mayor Oscar Tetangco, Jr. and incumbent Vice Mayor Augusto Manlapaz, who will square off in the mayoralty race, both vowed to lead their slate in a clean and humane campaign.
“I have been in the same race for several times, both as challenger and incumbent, and my commitment is always the same: to participate in safe and fair elections for Apaliteños. My prayers are always for the peacefulness of our town,” Tetangco said.
“Our fight is centered with our fear of God and respect for the decision of our fellow Apaliteños. That alone encapsulates our aspiration to have peaceful and safe elections in Apalit,” Manlapaz said.
Aspiring vice mayor Nelson Manuel also expressed his prayers that unity among Apaliteños will reign in the coming polls.
Superintendent Roland Agohob, Apalit chief of police, assured the community that the local police is up on its feet to ensure the safety and security of the voters.
“As early as now, we are already on our heightened alert to maximize our personnel for our goal of safe, secured, peaceful and fair conduct of midterm elections,” he said.