Taraka, Lumbayanague other Lanao towns vow for peaceful polls

The municipalities of Taraka, Lumbayanague, Piagapo, Lumbatan, Bayang and Marantao in Lanao del Sur have committed to hold clean, honest, orderly and peaceful Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) polls on May 14, 2018.

MARAWI CITY, May 13, 2018 — Candidates in the May 14, 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) elections in the municipalities of Taraka, Lumbayanague, Piagapo, Lumbatan, Bayang and Marantao, in Lanao del Sur have committed to hold clean, honest, orderly and peaceful elections in peace covenant signing spearheaded by Kazalimbago Movement chaired by Ms. Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, in partnership with the Comelec, the Armed Forces, local government units, government line agencies and leaders of multi-sectoral groups. 

TARAKA 

Mayor Nashiba Gandamra Sumagayan of Taraka appealed to candidates to make the elections clean, honest and peaceful. “Ayaw natin ng gulo,” she said, “gusto natin ng mapayapang eleksyon.” 

The lady mayor hoped that those who will win will help (the municipality.) She said she invited even non-candidates to know what are their roles during elections and in community building that will be explained later by resource speakers present.. 

Sumagayan said, “Ako po ay nakikiusap sa inyo na sana ay panatilhin natin ang kpayapaan at kaayusan ng eleksyon.” 

LUMBAYANAGUE 

Lumbayanague Mayor Salamona L. Asum who led the peace covenant signing in her municipality on May 12, said peace is a journey that is achievable. “But for it to be realized,” she added, “you and I have to work towards it… to make it happen, because peace can only come from us!” 

 

She compared peace to a house which has to be built, shaped and ultimately defended. She stressed: “It has to be built because we need to do it as one… to be shaped because we need to make sure that it is well established and well founded… ultimately, it has to be defended because we cannot afford chaos at the expense of peace!” 

PIAGAPO 

In Piagapo, town mayor Engr. Ali Sumandar appealed to all candidates to make the May 14 elections peaceful saying the barangay positions are too small to make trouble or disorder and hurt their close kin. He said this on May 8, 2018 during the peace covenant signing among candidates for a secure and fair May 14, 2018 elections. 

Sumandar said the biggest issue in peace and order in the Philippines (during elections) is in the barangays. "Why,” he asked, “because candidates are very close relatives.” 

He said if only he had the way, he would like the barangay elections to be abolished and barangay officials just be appointed. 

LUMBATAN 

In Lumbatan, peace covenant signing was held on May 10, 2018 led by no less than Mayor Allan Lao who appealed to the candidates to make the May 14, 2018 elections clean, peaceful and orderly. 

BAYANG 

Kazalimbago chairperson Samira Gutoc Tomawis explained during the Peace Covenant Signing in Bayang last May 9, 2018 why the need for candidates’ commitment for a clean, honest, orderly and peaceful elections on May 14, 2018. 

MARANTAO 

Meanwhile, in the municipality of Marantao, candidates had earlier conducted the Peace Covenant Signing among candidates for the May 14, 2018 barangay and SK elections in the municipality. - RSO/RSP