PRO-8 spearheads KASIMBAYANAN for 2022 Elections

Robert C. Dejon | February 21, 2022

Newly-installed Police Regional Office (PRO-8) Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Bernard M. Banac leads the kick-off ceremony of the simultaneous KASIMBAYANAN for a S.A.F.E 2022 held at the PRO-8 Grandstand at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, February 18.

KASIMBAYANAN for a S.A.F.E. 2022 stands for ‘Kawani, Simbahan at Pamayanan for a Secure, Accurate, Free and Fair Elections 2002. It aims to preserve and protect the dignity of the national and local elections (NLE) this May 09 through interfaith prayers. This also gathers all involved stakeholders to publicly declare their pledge of commitment for a non-partisan and peaceful elections.

PRO-8 Regional Pastoral Officer Police Lt. Col. Teddy C. David together with the religious and community leaders, namely; Rev. Bless M. Melano, Th.D. and Speakers Bureau Life Coach and Imam Majid Mauyag of Tacloban Mosque officiates the interfaith prayer. A ceremonial lighting of S.A.F.E candles and pinning of S.A.F.E pins followed.

Partner agencies also participated in the signing of manifesto.

Present during the ceremonies were 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Zosimo A. Oliveros, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Eastern Visayas Chief Commodore Marco Antonio P. Gines, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Assistant Regional Director Atty. Felicisimo Embalsado, National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) Social Action Director Rev. Fr. Herlem F. Gozo, members of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the religious and community leaders together with members of the command group of the PRO.

Brig. Gen Banac emphasized the importance of the participation of everybody to ensure the integrity of the 2022 NLE. “Time and again, we are reminded of our responsibilities as public servants to do our fair share in the upcoming elections. I know that in the coming days, we would need to double our efforts. This may be daunting task but I am certain that we are more than capable of carrying it out. Let us bear in mind that the success of the elections lies in our hands,” Gen Banac pointed out.