CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division reaffirmed its commitment to preserve and protect the integrity of the upcoming May 2022 National and Local Elections during the launching of KASIMBAYANAN (Kawani, Simbahan, at Pamayanan) spearheaded by Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) at Camp Alagar, Lapasan, here.

Col. Joel Paloma, the newly-installed 4ID assistant division commander, said the Diamond troopers will work hand in hand with the PNP and other government agencies to undertake security operations and related activities to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections, while also reminding 4ID troopers to be non-partisan and maintain professionalism in performing election duties.

The event showcased the lighting of candles, the signing of a manifesto as well as the release of white doves signifying solidarity towards the goal of restoring the trust and credibility of the electoral process. It was also well-participated by heads from other government agencies, the religious sector, and election watchdogs.

PBGen Benjamin Acorda Jr, PNP-10 regional director, echoed a similar call for its personnel to remain neutral and professional to ensure a credible election.

"Today we shall be making a difference in our lives, this is the turning of the pages on our electoral system, this is a cycle that we take serious considerations as a way of moving forward for a better nation. Let us once again reaffirm our commitment to making these 2022 elections a triumph for each and every one of us who looks forward to a vibrant democratic community," COMELEC-10 Regional Director Francisco Pobe said.

The 4ID had already activated Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) last October 2021 mandated to carry out the monitoring and preventing election-related violent incidents, addressing and preventing private armed groups (PAGS) and the extortion scheme of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF called as "Permit to Win/Permit to Campaign Fee." (4ID/PIA-10)