One Network for Election (ONE)-Sulu conducts signing of peace covenant for honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) this May 2013

By: Nash Usman Abduhadi

In an effort to ensure that the province of Sulu remains a non-election hotspot, a network of various government and non-government organizations based in Sulu witnessed the historic signing of a peace covenant by provincial and municipal candidates from all parties last 25 April 2013 at the Notre Dame of Jolo College covered courts.  

The network, named as One Network for Election-Sulu (ONE-Sulu), is composed of Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reforms (CCARE), National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Sulu Communicators Network (SULCOMNET) and the Swiss foundation Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) through its Sulu field office and the Preventing and Reducing Violence (PARV) Secretariat.  The network also enjoys the support of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police 

By signing the said covenant, candidates from the administration, opposition and independent political parties pledge their support to the COMELEC and key government agencies in the enforcement of election laws to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) in the province. They also committed to uphold the principles of democracy and the people of Sulu’s right to suffrage and participation in the conduct of public affairs, whether as voters or candidates.   The covenant also underscored the duty of every Filipino to protect the sanctity of the ballots.

The activity commenced with prayers led by Father Romeo P. Villanueva, O.M.I, One-Sulu Convener, and Tuan Gabir Kasim , member of Tumikang Sama-Sama (TSS) mediation team and Sulu Ulama Council for Peace and Development. The prayer was followed by the singing of the national anthem led by PO3 Glenn Jajalis of the Sulu Provincial Police Office (PPO).  

Representing Father Charlie Inzon, O.M.I, Ph D, Mr. Darren Datiles of Notre Dame of Jolo College expressed his message of support, citing that true leadership is governed with colorful voice of justice, peace and love which is shown in the signing of the peace covenant.  

In her inspirational message, Ms. Zenaida Masong  of SULCOMNET, and ONE-Sulu Covener said that “It is the very first time that Sulu is not included in the Philippine hotspot provinces and we are very proud of this by product from the concerted efforts of the local government units, NGOs, CSOs, academe, religious leaders, and all of us Tausugs as we attained this status, the challenge of maintaining it relies in our very own hands.” 

Mr. Vandrazel M. Birowa, Project Officer of HD Centre Sulu, extended his profound gratitude to the political candidates, concerned citizens and guests in attending the momentous event.  He emphasized that ONE-Sulu has formulated a matrix that would be used by PARV and ONE-Sulu volunteers deployed in the 19 municipalities of Sulu as a monitoring tool that would help flag potential threats to the conduct of peaceful and secure elections in the province, thus preventing election-related violence.  He also announced that ONE-Sulu is planning a candidates’ forum on May 2-4, 2013 that would serve as space for participants to communicate their political platforms on peace and security, economic, good governance. The said forum is also a step towards maintaining Sulu as a non-election hotspot.

After the keynote messages, the candidates proceeded to sign the HOPE covenant, which was read by PARV Secretariat Rosemain Abduraji.  

 After the signing, representatives from the religious organizations, PNP, AFP and the COMELEC gave their solidarity messages. 

“  We believe that this year’s election would be secured, fair, honest given the concerted efforts of the ONE-Sulu, AFP, PNP, COMELEC and Tausug citizens to ensure Sulu as not belonging to the hotspot province in the entire Philippines,” PSSupt. Antonio Jamero D. Freyra, DSC, theProvincial Director of Sulu PPO. said. 

In his message, BGEN Orlando E. De Leon, PN (M), GSC, the Commanding Officer, 2^nd Marine Brigade, recounted that during elections, “we are all wide awake yet problems arise, the challenge is for us to realize that we should respect each vote since the future lies in our very own hands.” 

To this, Ms. Lilia Gaspar of COMELEC added that “we should set aside our differences and gaps in order for us to attain our ultimate goal of having HOPE-ful elections this 2013.” 

Bishop Angelito R. Lampon stated that the peace covenant is “a lasting agreement bound of achieving a common good.”  Meanwhile, Shariff Jul Asiri Abirin (MUFTI, Lupah Sug) affirmed that “being a good leader is a gateway to enter paradise, which is why we should choose our future leaders wisely.” 

In her closing remarks, Ms. Ramona “Monette” Pendon of the PPCRV expressed that “may this 2013 elections bring us one direction in promoting a Clean, Honest, Accountable, Meaningful, Peaceful and secure our great goal of H.O.P.E.