Mayoralty bet Sharleen Lim who is running under the opposition coalition Tinuod Bol-anon was a no-show during the unity walk and peace covenant signing in Tagbilaran City on Wednesday morning.

Tagbilaran election officer Atty. Ariel Selma said that the opposition was represented by a candidate for councilor as both Lim and her running mate, Barangay Captain Arlene Karaan, were not present during the ceremonies held at the Birhen sa Barangay Parish Church.

“Wa ko kita ni ma’am Sharleen. Wa pud si [Karaan] kay diha man tay gipabuhian na kalapati unya gi tawag man to. Kung wa ilang mayor sa lineup, pwede ang vice mayor pero wa man diha pud, ang mi adto mura man og running for kagawad man siguro to,” Selma said.

Selma said that the Philippine National Police in Tagbilaran City sent out letters to all of the candidates inviting them to join the event.

“Matud sa PNP, ilang gipadalhan tanan [letter]. Nakadawat gud sila tanan. Way siguro duna ra silay mga kabilinggan tong uban maong wa katambong,” he added.

The event which was held early on Wednesday was organized by the Tagbilaran City Police Station led by newly installed police chief Supt. Christopher Navida.

Meanwhile, Mayor Baba Yap and Vice Mayor Toto Veloso who are running against Lim and Karaan, respectively, went in full force with their candidates for councilor.

A peace covenant is conducted in cities and municipalities to let candidates commit to do their part in keeping the polls peaceful and free from violence.

“Walay function ang Comelec ana [peace covenant], pero mas maayo tong mo-pirma sila para makita ilang sign of cooperation para sa peace and order sa election,” he said.

Selma noted that Tagbilaran City has been relatively peaceful in the past elections.

“Kalooy sa Ginoo, dili man g’yud kaayo ka gubot diri sa Tagbilaran. Ok ra man, ba-ba ra dagko diri. Mag-away sa radyo. Pero bintaha nanang ngana,” he said. (A. Doydora)