INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. over the weekend urged candidates in the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to be role models to their constituents by avoiding violence and not resorting to vote-buying.
During the signing of a peace covenant in Datu Anggal Midtimbang in Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday, Abalos said candidates should set good examples to voters, especially since they are going to be the “frontliners” of the national government in the delivery of public services if they win in the polls.
He also asked candidates to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
“These positions comes with a big responsibility. It’s important that we become role models for our countrymen,” said Abalos, adding winners, especially youth leaders, should serve their constituents well.
“That is why I am urging you not to resort to violence, do not buy votes,” he also said.
Abalos said the future of the barangays, cities, towns, provinces and of the entire country will be in the hands of the winners in the BSKE.
Candidates from the different barangays of Datu Anggal Midtimbang joined the peace covenant signing.
Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu, Vice Gov. Nathaniel Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang Mayor Maryjoy Estephanie Midtimbang, and local police officials also signed the peace covenant.
Prior to the covenant signing, Abalos was briefed by the PNP of the peace and order situation in Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the Soccsksargen police regional office in General Santos City.
Abalos urged police personnel to review election laws and exercise maximum tolerance in the performance of their duties during the elections.
“I know you are going to be mobilized comes during the elections. So always keep this in mind: You need to be knowledgeable of election laws. For example, the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), it’s going to be AFP or the PNP who are going to sit as (members) if no one will man them,” said Abalos. BEIs are usually composed of teachers.
“There must be proper training here. We should not be hot-headed and we should be patient. And remember, you are wearing the Philippine National Police uniform, you are the authority on the ground,” said Abalos.
