Zamboanga del Sur – The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) conducted a Local Peace Forum in connection with the 2022 National and Local Elections which was participated by the candidates for mayoral, vice-mayoral, barangay official posts in Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur on April 26, 2022.
The peace forum featured the lecture on gun ban and illegal firearms which was delivered by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Roberto Dela Peña, and the convergence and collaboration between the 53IB and the PNP and the cooperation of the candidates toward a peaceful and secured elections.
In his message, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera asked the participants to contribute to the peace efforts as peace is a shared responsibility.
“Peace is a shared responsibility. We will not tolerate the existence of armed individuals as we were tasked to destroy them to keep the people safe and ensure a peaceful election,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.
Sominot Chief of Police PMaj. Jake Capitly also asked for the candidates’ cooperation in keeping and maintaining the peace in conducting their political activities.
“We encourage all candidates to refrain from utilizing violence as a means to advance their political agenda,” said PMaj. Capitly.
(Source: 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion, PA)