By Order
PRO 6's tribute to democracy
The result of the May 14 election manifests that democracy is still alive and kicking, particularly in this part of the country. Yes, making the recent polls relatively peaceful and orderly did not only depend on the efforts of the Comelec, PNP and AFP; every peace loving Ilonggo had given his or her share.
Indubitably, the 7,000 plus police officers and the augmentation force from the Armed Forces who were deployed, especially on election day, would have been helpless should the candidates and their die-hard supporters had let their emotions prevail over and above the respect to every person's right of suffrage.
"Salus populi est suprema lex". It is impressive to note that Western Visayas has very minimal election-related incidents. There were fatalities, but those were isolated cases. Importantly, none of the towns or barangays had been declared by the Comelec to have failure of elections, though intense political rivalries among candidates were apparent in some places. This was indicative not only of the Ilonggos' unwavering faith on the election as an important leeway to assert their desire for change, but also their reverence to the will of the people as the supreme law of the land.
We are equally grateful for the political candidates who conceded to the spirit of decency and professionalism instead of wallowing to the lures of power and fame. Despite the "word wars" that heated up, they had finally submitted themselves to the judgment of the people. To the winners, congratulations! To the losers, remember Allan Loy McGinnis when he says, "Leadership doesn't mean winning the popularity contest" such as the case of the recent election.
Being cognizant to their sacrifices, dedication and loyalty to the mandate of our profession, I commend every police officer for the job well done. The results of our campaign on gun ban, which made PRO 6 Number 1 based on the records of Camp Crame; the conduct of checkpoint/chokepoint and visibility patrols; our efforts on encouraging the political candidates not to yield to New People's Army "Permit to Campaign Fees"; and the enforcement of other Comelec resolutions and the provisions of Fair Election Act were PRO 6's tribute to democracy.
We salute the Heavens! While ever grateful for the active support of every Ilonggo, we praise God as He covered us with His protection, keeping us safe as we performed our duty to serve and protect.
With all these, Western Visayas can now attest to the truth that peace and order is very feasible in a community that values the true essence of democracy!
Mabuhay ang mga Ilonggo!