LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — In a show of unity and commitment to peaceful and orderly polls, the Basilan Police Provincial Office, led by Provincial Director PCOL Cerrazid A. Umabong, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)–Basilan, headed by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Roberto V. Dela Peña, spearheaded a Peace Caravan and Covenant Signing on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in preparation for the upcoming BARMM First Parliamentary Elections.
The event, held at the City Gymnasium in Barangay Maganda, Lamitan City, began with a Unity Walk from Little Cebu (Lamitan City Heritage Tower) to the venue.
In his keynote address, Atty. Dela Peña stressed the importance of peace, adherence to the law, and close cooperation with law enforcement agencies. He underscored the signing of the Peace Covenant as a critical step in safeguarding the integrity of the polls and ensuring that the elections are safe, fair, and orderly.
The activity gathered a wide range of stakeholders, including BGen. Frederick M. Sales, Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade; Engr. Ligaya G. Buenaventura, representing the city mayor; election officers from various municipalities; and candidates from Basilan’s First, Second, and Third Regional Districts.
Also present were representatives from government agencies, law enforcement units, civil society organizations, and the religious sector. Among them were personnel from the Provincial Command Group, provincial and municipal police units, the Philippine Army, Special Forces, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Highway Patrol Group, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Education, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Community and faith leaders, including Pastor Jay Mark M. Avo, Ustadz Bayan M. Maruji, Ms. Madelyn F. Tuble, and Ms. Miriam L. Suacito, likewise expressed their support for the initiative.
The Peace Caravan and Covenant Signing served as a strong symbol of solidarity and trust, bringing together government officials, candidates, security forces, civil society, and religious leaders in a united pledge to uphold democracy. Organizers said the activity highlighted the shared responsibility of all sectors in ensuring clean, honest, orderly, and peaceful elections in Basilan and across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).