ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Some 60 political candidates here gathered for a Unity Walk, Interfaith Prayer Rally, and Peace Covenant signing to promote clean, fair, and peaceful 2025 national and local elections.
The event brought together electoral candidates, their supporters, and various stakeholders, culminating in a program at the City Public Plaza.
Political groups present included Solid 15, United Iligan, Abante Iligan, Kargador, and independent candidates.
The event was spearheaded by the Secure, Accurate, and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2025 Core Group, which includes key agencies such as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Philippine Information Agency, and Interfaith Group.
Religious groups also led an interfaith prayer rally to call for peaceful elections. The SAFE Core Group signed the Solidarity Pact Pledge, while the candidates signed the Integrity Pledge. Everyone joined in singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and released doves that symbolized unity and hope for a peaceful and orderly election in May.
Call for fair and responsible leadership
COMELEC Iligan Election Officer Lawyer Anna Liza T. Barredo emphasized that the initiative was a vital step in ensuring a peaceful election.
“Wala tay laing tumong ani nga kun dili hapsay lamang, orderly ug peaceful ang atong election. And for the candidates para ma-abide nila ang ilang mga responsibility ug obligasyon isip candidate ngadto sa ilang komunidad ug supporters,” she said.
(We have no other goal but to ensure that our election is smooth, orderly, and peaceful. And for the candidates, so they can fulfill their responsibilities and obligations as candidates to their community and supporters.)
She also called on the candidates to honor the Integrity Pledge they took and demonstrate their commitment to clean and orderly elections.
Meanwhile, DILG Iligan City Director Maria Maida B. Daniot highlighted the importance of public service beyond the campaign period.
“May this event serve as a reminder that public service is a sacred duty—one that prioritizes the welfare of the people above all else. May we always instill in ourselves that leadership is not just about winning; it is about earning the trust of the people through honesty and good governance,” she said.
Daniot reaffirmed DILG’s commitment to ensuring a secure, accurate, and fair election while working alongside partners to guarantee that every voter can cast their ballot without fear or intimidation. She also called for a collective effort to build a community where every voice is heard, every vote is counted, and every individual can participate in the electoral process.
Security and cooperation for peaceful elections
ICPO Acting City Director PCol Jerry A. Tambis shared that Iligan City remains in the green category, with no areas of concern and no election-related incidents in the past two elections.
He also urged candidates to uphold their commitments and avoid violence and emphasized that the commitments made should be honored, as such activities were conducted to promote a safe and fair electoral process.
Meanwhile, Task Force Iligan Commander Col. Dennis Mark S. Malinit underscored the military’s role in safeguarding the election process.
“On behalf of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, we, from Task Force Iligan, are always willing to lend our support to ensure the safety of our people,” he said.
He also emphasized that the event symbolizes understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect, as participants demonstrated a shared commitment to a peaceful election. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
