PNP, watchdog groups join campaign for peaceful Eleksyon 2022

Law enforcers and prayer warriors have linked arms for clean and peaceful Eleksyon 2022 in May.

In an event at Camp Crame, the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched the campaign dubbed Secure, Accurate, Free and Fair National and Local Elections (SAFE) 2022 that gathered poll watchdogs, religious groups and concerned government agencies.

“We continue to pray fervently for an honest, orderly, and peaceful elections. We work together as community. And we model from ourselves honesty, integrity and vigilance to see a safe, honest, orderly, and peaceful elections,” Bishop Noel Alba Pantoja, national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches said.

PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos said the project “Kasimbayanan” or “Kapulungan ng inyong Pulis, ng inyong Sundalo, ng inyong Bantay Dagat, ng ating Comelec, at Lahat ng Lingkod Bayan kasama ang Simbahan at Pamayanan” would help push a reformed electoral process free from violence and corruption.

“Today’s momentous occasion is an opportune time not only to prepare our holistic action-oriented efforts to ensure a violent-free and fraud-free election but also to affirm in public our pledge of commitment for a non-partisan, secure, and peaceful May 2022 elections,” he said.

“There is really an urgent need to strengthen collaborative partnership with the church and the community to maintain integrity and transparency in the conduct of police administration and operation as well as to show our unwavering commitment to the cause of human rights and the rule of law,” he added.

The Commission on Elections, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Department of Information and Communications Technology and community leaders pledged to take part in the SAFE campaign.

The event showcased the lighting of the SAFE candles and displaying the SAFE 2022 pin.

It was also followed by a signing of a manifesto of a Covenant of Peace to signify and foster community solidarity towards the goal of restoring the trust and credibility in the electoral process and help ensure an honest, orderly, and peaceful elections, the PNP said.

The ceremony ended with the benediction of religious leaders and the releasing of white doves by the key officials of the government, religious, and community sector as a symbol of peace and hope for the country ahead of Eleksyon 2022.

Meanwhile, AFP chief General Andres Centino said the military has classified areas in the country according to the threat level in the upcoming polls.

“We classify that according to the potential occurrence of election issues,” he said in an ambush interview during the event.

He said that areas with the highest threat level are provided with adequate forces to thwart violence and disorder.—With Giselle Ombay/LDF, GMA News