LINGAYEN—In this largely Catholic country, even the police and the military turn to prayer power for the conduct of peaceful elections.

Complementing their efforts to curb election-related violence, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the military of Ilocos region has embarked on peace rallies in partnership with the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption as the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the May mid-term elections has begun.

Region 1 PNP head Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil told local newsmen here that last Thursday, they, together with VACC regional chapter chairman Fr. Gerry Cabillo, the military and local government officials, conducted a peace rally in Bauang, La Union. In January last year, Filemon Asperin Jr., a local Commission on Elections official was murdered here.

Bataoil said they also collectively denounced violence and other election- related anomalies. They also had a candle lighting activity and this will be followed up by the signing of peace covenants after candidates have filed their COCs.

“We are doing continuing awareness for the denunciation of violence in the election,” he said.

He said he has issued a directive to his provincial directors to duplicate this activity in their respective areas.

He added that on Jan. 30 at 8:00 a.m. in Agoo La Union, a similar activity will be held “because we are planting the seed of awareness” for the peaceful conduct of elections.

They are also aiming to prevent the use of “process of elimination” to defeat an enemy.

He said in Region 1, they are still using their 2004 record in the identification of areas of concern and areas of immediate concern based on reported election-related violence or intense political rivalry.

He said they are still evaluating these areas because others might have already been downgraded, meaning there is no more threat of election related violence. He said he has ordered his men to continue monitoring these areas and to affect continuing police intervention.

Also, Bataoil said there is no Partisan Armed Groups operating in the Ilocos region. But he added that as early as December, they have been monitoring the possible presence of “hitmen” through their active search and raid covered with warrants, which usually turn out positive–EVA

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