Government security officials foresee a peaceful conduct of the May 2022 local and national elections in Al-Barka, Basilan after two big warring political clans officially ended their feud.
Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander, said in a statement on Monday that the opposing factions of Al-Barka Mayor Darussalam Lajid, and Vice Mayor Mujib Jakilan forged a peace covenant ending their more than three-month dispute.
The signing of the peace pact, initiated by Gobway, was held Sunday at the headquarters of the JTF-Basilan in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.
Lajid and Jakilan pledged to sustain the peace and improve their relationship for the common good, according to Gobway, who is also the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade commander.
“They also promised to work for a clean, honest, and peaceful 2022 national and local elections,” Gobway said.
The dispute between the camps of Lajid and Jakilan was caused by political disagreement.
Two people—one from Lajid’s camp and the other from Jakilan—were killed when the followers of the two politicians clashed on August 3 in the town of Al-Barka.
Gobway deployed forces to ease the tension and help the police maintain law and order in Al-Barka town and initiated talks that led to the signing of the peace covenant.
“The event exemplifies the importance of communication and good public service. I commend the officials of Al-Barka for setting aside their differences and putting their utmost interest to the safety and security of their constituents,” Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said in a statement Monday.
“May they be an inspiration to all those who vie for government posts,” Rosario added.
The signing of the peace covenant between Lajid and Jakilan was witnessed by provincial government representatives, local Muslim religious leaders, and Army and police officials, among others.
Source: Philippines News Agency