CATBALOGAN, Philippines – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division of the Philippine Army, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and government offices, participated in the Ceremonial Solidarity Pact Signing for the 2025 National and Local Elections. The event took place on February 5, 2025, at Camp Sec. Ruperto Kangleon, Police Regional Office VIII, in Palo, Leyte.
Among the key attendees were Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID); Police Brigadier General Jay R. Cumigad, Regional Director of PRO8; and Atty. Remlane M. Tambuang, Regional Director of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Regional Office VIII. Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Eastern Visayas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) VIII, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) VIII, and the Department of Education (DepEd) VIII also joined the event.
The ceremony saw representatives from each participating agency pledge their commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation, with the shared goal of ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and secure election. The Solidarity Pact underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process, ensuring that the 2025 elections are free, fair, and transparent.
In his speech, Maj. Gen. Orio emphasized the importance of collaboration among the 8ID and its partners in the upcoming elections.
“As we come together to sign this Solidarity Pact, we are not simply putting our signatures on paper – we are making a solemn commitment to protect the core of our democracy. This ceremony is a powerful reminder that no matter our roles, we all share one mission: to ensure that the voice of the people is heard, protected, and respected in the 2025 National and Local Elections,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.
He further assured the people of Eastern Visayas that the Philippine Army, alongside its partners, will remain steadfast in their role as protectors of peace, defenders of democracy, and guardians of every Filipino’s right to vote freely and without fear.
“Let this moment inspire us to lead with courage, integrity, and unity. Together, we will uphold an electoral process that honors the will of the people and strengthens the foundation of our nation,” he added.
In a concerted effort to secure the elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy a total of 10,000 personnel across Eastern Visayas to ensure the safety and security of the 2025 National and Local Elections. | via Samar Chronicle
