A Philippine National Police (PNP)-led multi-sectoral campaign will ensure peaceful, safe, and free elections in the Western Visayas, a Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional official said on Friday.

“It is indeed a moment to celebrate doing what is right and what is necessary during the coming election and it shows our enthusiasm and our commitment to have a safe, honest and fair May 9, 2022 election,” said Comelec Regional Director Wilfred Jay E. Balisado during the campaign launch.

Dubbed “Kapulungan ng inyong Pulis, ng inyong Sundalo, ng inyong Bantay Dagat, ng COMELEC (Commission on Elections), at lahat ng Lingkod Bayan kasama ang Simbahan at Pamayanan (KASIMBAYANAN)”, the Western Visayas leg of the drive was held at the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) headquarters at the Camp Gen. Martin Teofilo B. Delgado in this city.

KASIMBAYANAN was first launched at the national level on Feb. 3 at the national headquarters of the PNP in support of the government’s initiatives to hold secure, accurate, free, and fair national and local elections (SAFE NLE) 2022.

It aimed to preserve and protect the integrity of the upcoming national and local elections through interfaith prayers and provide a venue to gather stakeholders for their pledge of commitment and collaborative effort for a non-partisan and nonviolent election.

PRO6 information officer Lt. Col. Arnel Solis in a follow-up interview said a similar event is expected to be conducted in provincial police offices and municipal police stations after the regional activity.

During the regional launching, participants joined in the lighting of the SAFE candles, pinning of the SAFE 2022 pin, and the manifesto signing of the peace covenant to show their solidarity in restoring the trust in the electoral process and ensure a transparent, honest, and peaceful election, a press statement from the PRO6 said.

It culminated with blessings from participating religious leaders and releasing of white doves symbolizing hope and peace.

PRO6 Director B/Gen Flynn E. Dongbo, in his message, reiterated the commitment of the PNP for secure, accurate, and fair 2022 elections.

“I am assured that we can attain an honest, and crime-free election, if we will work as one and in unity, we will achieve this goal,” he said.

The ceremonial launching was also participated by heads of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and religious and community leaders. (PNA)