MORE PEACE PACTS HELD IN LA UNION

CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO – In line with the directives of PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima for more peace covenants yesterday (Feb 22), Police Chief Superintendent Ricardo C. Marquez, Police Regional Office 1 director announces today (Feb 23) that almost all of the municipalities of La Union has already conducted peace covenants, aside from the other three provinces of Region 1. “We are glad of the commitment shown by the candidates by being present and affixing their signature during peace covenants, where they can show advocacy to non-violent means of campaigning, and we expect more to come.” added the Regional Director. PCSupt. Marquez underscored the significance of the covenant signing as it complements the police operations being conducted to ensure secure and fair elections in the whole region. The police-initiated activity was witnessed by chiefs of police, religious sectors, Comelec officials, supporters of the candidates, barangay officials, non-government organizations, and others in the towns of Sto. Tomas, Burgos, Bauang, Santol, Agoo, Aringay, Bangar, and in the city of San Fernando, La Union. Police Senior Superintendent Reynaldo G. Biay, Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) Commander for La Union and Battalion Commander of the Regional Public Safety Battalion 1 (RPSB1) has lined up more peace covenant signing and other SAFE-related activities in other municipalities of La Union. Since the start of the election period, various events have already been initiated by PRO1 aside from peace covenants such as walk for peace, bike for SAFE, and other peace rallies, among others. With the recent developments, residents are guaranteed peace by local candidates vying for various positions in this province which is one of the fifteen (15) election priority areas. Additionally, in the past two months, the number of shooting incidents in the whole region significantly dropped. Meanwhile, a recollection spearheaded by Fr. Leo Nedic, chairman of the TIGNAY (Ti Gimong nga Aggunay, Gimong nga Agbantay) movement was held here today (February 23) at Concord building. Among the attendees were PSSupt. Reynaldo G. Biay and his staff, and Chiefs of Police of La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) under PSSupt. Ramon L. Rafael. They were also joined by Comelec officials, religious leaders, and other stakeholders in order to sustain their strong advocacy for peace this coming elections.