LAMITAN CITY — At least 2,500 candidates coming from three towns and from this city joined the “Unity Walk and Covenant Signing” last Thursday — the start of the 10-day campaign period for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
Candidates for the BSKE coming from this city and from the towns of Albarka, Tipo-Tipo and Tuburan, all in Basilan province marched together from the playground of Hardam Furigay Colleges Foundation Inc. in this city to the Lamitan City Gymnasium.
Personnel from the Commission on Elections, police and military authorities also showcased their strong unity and support for the conduct of fair, honest, peaceful and successful BSKE 2023. They reminded the candidates of the do’s and don’ts during the campaign season.
“As we approach the upcoming Barangay and SK elections, let us remember that our collective commitment to harmony defines us. This is the moment, we are poised to take a significant step towards ensuring a fair and just election process. Today we will affix our signature to a covenant, binding us in a pledge for a peaceful election,” Lamitan City Mayor Roderick H. Furigay said.
“Together we forge the path that transcends any differences, safeguarding the well-being of every member of our community. Let us rally and be a beacon of faith, understanding and cooperation, lighting the way toward a brighter future for Basilan,” he added.
Meantime, Brig. Gen Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade, assured the candidates that the police and military authorities in the province are ready to maintain the peace and tranquility of the province during and even after the BSK elections.
Luzon also urged the candidates to report to the authorities the wrongdoing of candidates for them to take appropriate action against the erring candidates immediately.
He asked the candidate to help the authorities maintain a peaceful and credible election as he assured them that the military would not interfere in the election process, “We will remain a non-partisan.”