SAN FERNANDO CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – The secure, accurate, free, and fair national and local elections (S.A.F.E NLE) campaign was launched in Ilocos Region at the Camp BGen Oscar Florendo here on Thursday.
The kickoff was led by the Philippine National Police (PNP), along with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, the Coast Guard District North Western Luzon, and the 702nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.
This multi-sectoral campaign is anchored with the theme of “KASIMBAYANAN” or the “Kapulungan ng inyong mga kawal, COMELEC at lahat ng lingkod-bayan kasama ang simbahan at pamayanan.”
PMGEN Rodolfo Azurin, PNP Director for Comptrollership and former regional head of the PNP in Ilocos, served as the event’s distinguished guest and emphasized the role of KASIMBAYANAN in uniting the efforts of all government instrumentalities, the community and the church to attain a peaceful and orderly polls.
The KASIMBAYANAN Program was first postulated in the region under Azurin’s leadership before it was adapted and implemented nationwide.
“All sectors of the government should be one in attaining a peaceful election because this will define kung ano ang mangyayari sa ating bansa sa susunod na mga panahon,” Azurin said.
Likewise, PNP Regional Director Emmanuel Peralta remarked how the activity symbolizes unity.
“Ngayong araw, ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan, ang simbahan, at ang pamayanan ay tulong-tulong at nagkakaisa para sa isang layunin – ang malinis at matiwasay na Halalan 2022,” Peralta said.
He added, “This is to seek the intercession of the Almighty for the successful conduct of a safe, accurate, free and fair elections this May 9, 2022.”
Messages of solidarity were also given by other regional chiefs.
Religious leaders spearheaded the lighting of candles and the pinning of the SAFE NLE 2022 pins.
Also, a manifesto was signed by all the attendees as they committed to support the campaign.
In culmination, white doves were released which symbolize the hope of peace in the upcoming elections. (JCR/AMB/CGRC, PIA-1)
