Abra politicians ink commitment to peaceful, honest May 2025 elections

Abra, Philippines – Amid the increasing number of shooting incidents in Abra, candidates vying for elective positions for the May 2025 polls convened and inked their commitment to a peaceful, honest, and fair election.

As of April 2 records, there have been 21 shooting incidents in Abra for the year 2025. Many of the incidents happened in Bangued, and though some are potentially politically-motivated incidents, only one was validated since the police follow parameters in determining election-related violence.

On March 31, two days since the start of the campaign period for local political aspirants, the candidates in Abra signed a peace covenant which signifies their pledge to uphold peaceful, clean, and honest electoral process on May 12.

The signing of the peace covenant was held after the emergency meeting conducted by the members of the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (CRPOC) in Bangued, where they discussed the current peace and order situation in the province.

Some high-ranking officials of the PNP and AFP, along with CRPOC Chairperson, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, were witnesses to the peace covenant signing.

Meantime, the Police Regional Office CAR augmented its police force to help authorities in maintaining harmony and control in Abra. The AFP was also said to have committed to deploying additional troops in the province.