SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The La Union Police Provincial Office has heightened security preparations for the Unity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing on March 27, 2025, as part of its commitment to ensuring fair and peaceful elections.
This initiative aims to promote the principles of honesty, integrity and nonviolence in the electoral process ahead of the May 12 national and local elections.
The event will bring together candidates for local positions, election stakeholders and law enforcement agencies in a unified stand for a peaceful election season.
Through a symbolic Unity Walk, the candidates will demonstrate their solidarity in upholding ethical electoral practices.
The walk will culminate in a Peace Covenant Signing, where the candidates will pledge to maintain a fair, transparent and nonviolent election campaign.
Ethical campaigning
Beyond the candidates, the event also will involve key sectors such as religious leaders, civil society organizations and election watchdogs.
These groups will play a crucial role in ensuring that the principles of ethical campaigning are upheld, calling for an election process free from manipulation, violence and corruption.
By endorsing a shared commitment to peaceful and fair elections, the Unity Walk aims to foster trust and cooperation among all stakeholders and send a strong message about the importance of upholding democratic values in the lead-up to the elections.
In preparation for the event, LUPPO has collaborated with several agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Commission on Elections, the Bureau of Fire Protection and other law enforcement bodies.
This multiagency coordination ensures that all potential security concerns are addressed and threats are mitigated in advance.
Major Lawrence Ganuelas, LUPPO’s information officer, outlined the security measures being put in place to safeguard the event and its participants.
“Our focus is on maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all those in attendance, including candidates, their supporters and all other stakeholders,” he explained.
The La Union police will enhance its presence in strategic locations where the risk of election-related violence is higher.
Additionally, Police Regional Office 1 will deploy additional personnel to bolster security in areas with fewer law enforcement resources.
Authorities also will implement a series of proactive crime prevention measures, including the establishment of checkpoints, foot and mobile patrols and ongoing intelligence gathering.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat election-related violence and other forms of election misconduct.
Upholding election laws
As part of the event’s security strategy, Ganuelas emphasized the importance of adhering to Comelec regulations.
He urged all participants to comply with established election laws to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
This includes observing guidelines designed to prevent vote-buying, intimidation and harassment, which often undermine the democratic process.
“Let us all work together to ensure a peaceful election period. By observing the rules, we not only protect the integrity of the elections but also promote a safe and respectful environment for all voters,” Ganuelas said.
The Unity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing in La Union is more than just a ceremonial event.
It represents a critical step toward ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted with the highest standards of honesty and transparency.
As La Union prepares for the elections, LUPPO’s ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, along with its robust security measures, reinforces the importance of responsible leadership and a commitment to safeguarding the democratic process.
Through these concerted efforts, the Unity Walk and Peace Covenant act as a symbol of unity, reinforcing the shared responsibility of all parties to promote clean, honest and peaceful elections in La Union. (AMB/KJCR/ESA/DJR, PIA La Union)
