BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — Local candidates for the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections in the province of Abra participated in a covenant signing for peaceful, orderly, and honest elections.
The covenant signing of the provincial and municipal bets from the different parties including independent candidates on March 31, 2025 at Camp Juan Villamor in Bangued was led by Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (CRPOC) chairperson, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
They were joined by Commission on Elections-Cordillera Director Julius Torres, Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Administration PLtGen. Jose Melecio Nartatez Jr., Cordillera Police Regional Office Director PBGen. David Peredo, Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Araceli San Jose, 501st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Dean Mark Mamaril, Acting Abra Governor Russell Bragas, civil society organization representatives, and other stakeholders.
The signing was held after the CRPOC emergency meeting to address the increasing crime incidents in the province this election campaign period.
Magalong underscored the need for the people to work together with authorities to keep a peaceful and orderly election.
“We appeal to each and every one of you, it’s about time that people of Abra work together with the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and COMELEC because they cannot do it alone,” Magalong stressed.
Fr. Adonis Bringas of the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government also appealed to the candidates not to resort to violence, instead bring back the peaceful image of Abra.
“Idi, uray nu rabiin, adu pay laeng ti tao ditoy Bangued Plaza ngem tattan agbuteng dagiti tao gapo ti mapaspasamak tatta nga eleksion. Isubli tay kuma ti nakappia ken natalna probinsiatayo ditoy Abra,” he stated.
(Even late at night Before, there were still people around Bangued Plaza but now, they are afraid because of what’s happening. Let’s bring back the peaceful and orderly province of Abra.)
Local candidates urged the police and the Army to intensify their presence to help prevent the shootings and killings. Moreover, to stay neutral and non-partisan especially this campaign period. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)
