Photos by Joyce Laya

Officers of the police force, military, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other stakeholders marched alongside candidates running in the May 12, 2025 elections on Friday, March 21, 2025.

The Unity Walk and Inter-Faith Rally found the group walking from the COMELEC office to the Antipolo Cathedral where a mass was officiated by Antipolo Bishop His Excellency Most Rev. Ruperto Cruz Santos, D.D.

Antipolo Election Officer Atty. Joseph Vega, Rizal PNP Chief PCol. Felipe Maraggun, Antipolo PNP Chief PCol. Ryan M. Manongdo, Antipolo City Vice Mayor Pining Gatlabayan, Provincial Board Member Randy Puno as well as Antipolo City Councilors from both District 1 and District 2 led the event.

All the participants swore an oath promising to ensure that the coming elections will peaceful, orderly, free, and fair.

Various sectors of society, including members of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, also participated in the activity as they aim to safeguard the sanctity of the election and prevent any form of fraud.

After the unity walk and oath-taking, a peace covenant signing followed. The candidates pledged in writing their commitment to help achieve a peaceful, orderly, and fair election.

Antipolo Election Officer Atty. Joseph Vega said fair and peaceful elections start with the candidates by adhering to election rules.  He praised the rally and peace covenant signing as instruments to protect voters’ freedom of choice in electing their preferred leaders.