PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — The Sept. 14 elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is a “showcase” to the world that Muslims and Christians can live and govern together peacefully, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said here.
“Not only is the whole Philippines watching; the whole world is,” he said, describing the elections as a historic opportunity for a Muslim minority to exist within a predominantly Christian republic.
The first parliamentary elections in the BARMM could send a message to the international community that it is possible for Christians and Muslims to live together and that their leaders can work together, he noted.
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Remulla issued a stern warning to police officers tasked with securing the elections, saying he would hold them accountable for any violence during the electoral process.
“Peace must prevail,” Remulla said, calling on Philippine security forces to serve as “stalwarts for peace.”
Addressing candidates seeking office, Remulla urged them to act prudently and refrain from resorting to dirty tactics as the public can easily watch them with the rise of social media.
“Intimidation and strong-arm politics are no longer acceptable,” Remulla said, referring to the old practice of political intimidation.
He called on candidates and voters alike to uphold peace, saying the Philippines should show that Muslims and Christians can unite “because they are Filipinos seeking a better country.”
“Let us promise each other that in the next two weeks, and even in the years to come, that we have one goal in mind: to have a peaceful Bangsamoro region and to have a progressive and peaceful Philippines,” Remulla said.
Remulla made the remarks during the final command conference at the headquarters of the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) here on Wednesday. INQ /mr
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