ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-9 and the Police Regional Office (PRO)-9 are jointly advocating for a campaign season marked by constructive engagement and a strict adherence to factual information in the city.
This initiative underscores the importance of ethical campaigning, following the recent Peace Covenant and Solidarity Pact signing, organized by PRO-9 in collaboration with COMELEC-9 and other stakeholders.
City Elections Officer, Attorney Jan Christian Babiera encouraged candidates and party-list representatives to engage in constructive campaigns focused on presenting their platforms and qualifications, while strictly avoiding the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. He emphasized that campaigning should be done through fair election practices.
“I appeal to all candidates and supporters not to engage in spreading disinformation and misinformation. I challenge everyone to conduct your campaign following the law,” he stated.
He also shared that COMELEC will conduct a nationwide synchronized Operation Baklas on March 28, at the start of the campaign period for local candidates.
Recognizing the rapid spread of false information in the digital age, PRO-9 Public Information Officer Police Major Shellamie T. Chang stressed the need for rigorous verification, particularly regarding sensitive topics like financial transactions and election-related announcements.
She added that PRO-9 is actively working with other agencies to verify online information, ensuring the public receives credible updates. “We’re trying to check the veracity of posts, and then we also message the concerned agency to confirm whether they are true. After that, we release information stating whether it is true or not,” Chang explained.
As the election season approaches, PRO-9 reiterates its commitment to collaborating with COMELEC and other relevant bodies to maintain transparency and credibility.
“All information must come from the appropriate agency. The right person should be the source of information,” Chang concluded, emphasizing the importance of seeking verified information from official sources. (EDT/JFT/PIA Region 9 – Zamboanga City)
