ELEVEN Marian groups in Iloilo City appealed to all local political candidates to conduct electoral campaign based on the principles of fair play and legality.
Members of the Marian Associations, Movements and Organizations (Mamo) based in Jaro, Iloilo Archdiocese, said in its March 26 open letter noted by its spiritual director Rev. Fr. Joel Rudi, that the group is concerned on the recent election-related violence in the city.
Local bets should “desist from acts harmful to their opponents, to our people and to our city,” the letter stated.
The Commission on Elections has placed Iloilo City under its watchlist following two grenade bombing incidents in March: one was at Mayor Jerry P. Treñas’ family-owned bakeshop in Mandurriao district and at the mayor’s ancestral house in Molo district.
The Marians are also urging the public “to pray the rosary daily by offering it to Mary Mediatrix to grant peace to our city especially during the election period.”
Headed by Mamo president Nieva R. Consing, the signatories are urging the police to exert extra effort to bring justice to those responsible for these violent incidents.
The perpetrators must not be allowed to give the impression that they can get away with their crimes, the Marians said.
The Marians have called fellow Ilonggos to be vigilant always and do a share in reporting crimes and promoting peace and order in the city.
Aside from Consing, the other Marian signatories include Mamo officials Carol Joy Buyco, Raymund Pradas, Charlie Octavio of the Barangay sang Virgen, Mercedes Alturino of the Legion of Mary, Yolanda Galvez of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Lagrimas Mabunay of the Dominican Laity, Divine Mercy Marian Apostolate, Estrellita Monroy of the Children of Mary, Magalona of the Crusaders of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Felix Macalalag Jr. of Our Lady of Manaoag Apostolate, Confraternity of the Lady of All Nations, Ramon Zamora Jr. of the Confraternity of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace and Ma. Elena Santisteban of the Praying Army of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (Lydia C. Pendon)