MAASIN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- A multi-sectoral gathering of individuals and organizations braved the cool dawn breeze, rising up early Sunday to show determination for a secured and fair elections (SAFE) this year.

Converging at the bus terminal here, a pastor said a prayer then let everyone lit a candle, before proceeding to walk in unison around the city exactly 5 o'clock in the morning of Jan. 13, a date that coincided with the official start of the election period until June 12.

The scene was replicated in other towns around the province, even as it was raining like a video posted in Libagon showed, and in all other parts of the country, the activity dubbed Interfaith Prayer Rally and Unity Walk for SAFE 2019 national and local elections.

Among the participants were the agencies under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the city and province -- the PNP, fire, and jail personnel -- City and provincial personnel of the Department of Education, amateur radio groups, some barangay officials, pastors from different religions including the Muslim community, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and some candidates for local posts.

The walk ended where it started at the bus terminal by daybreak, with the heads of agencies mentioned declaring statements of support in speeches to ensure a peaceful conduct of this year's polls.

Newly-transferred provincial election supervisor Atty. Sabino Mejarito was grateful for the presence of everyone, trusting that, indeed, the elections in the province be smooth, orderly, and SAFE with the cooperation of all sectors. (LDL/MMP/PIA8-Southern Leyte)