Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte – In a united bid for peaceful elections, opposing camps led by Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) Mayor Datu Marshall Sinsuat and Board Member Datu Rommel Sinsuat, representing One Maguindanao Elected Vice Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat, pledged their commitment to non-violence during the 2025 National and Local Elections. The historic agreement was signed on December 17, 2024, at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Major General Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, 6th Infantry Division, and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), facilitated the signing as part of the Political Candidates’ Forum. The event also included a Pledge of Commitment and Peace Covenant aimed at ensuring a fair, peaceful, and violence-free election season.
MGen. Nafarrete issued a strong warning against those planning to disrupt the upcoming elections, emphasizing that law enforcement authorities would not hesitate to arrest and charge violators. “Anyone who attempts to sow violence will be held accountable under the full force of the law,” he declared.
Following the forum, DBS Mayor Datu Marshall Sinsuat and BM Datu Rommel Sinsuat shook hands, symbolizing their sincerity and shared goal of allowing voters to freely choose their leaders without fear or coercion.
The program’s success was attributed to the collaboration of key stakeholders, including COMELEC BARMM Regional Director Atty. Ray Sumalipao, PNP BARMM Regional Director PBGen. Romeo Macapaz, the media, and other organizations.
The event carried the theme, “Safe and Peaceful Elections in Maguindanao: Secure and Fair Elections Promoting Equality, Accountability, Cooperation, Empowerment for Unity and Lasting Peace.”
Both vice gubernatorial aspirants committed to conducting a clean, dignified, and respectful campaign, ensuring the people of Maguindanao del Norte a chance to vote in a secure environment.
Authorities, including the military, police, and COMELEC, remain hopeful that the 2025 elections will be free from violence, intimidation, or other forms of election-related misconduct.
The forum and covenant signing highlight a collaborative effort by the government and candidates to prioritize peace and democracy in one of the most politically sensitive regions of the Philippines.