By Renee F. De Guzman

San Fernando City, La Union (26 April) -- Amidst the spate of poll-related killings President Arroyo reiterated her call to political candidates not to resort to violence in ensuring their victory in the May elections.

In the Province of La Union, the President’s call is being heeded by the candidates based on the local Philippine National Police report.

PNP La Union Provincial Director Franklin Jesus L. Bucayo reported during the recent PNP-Talakayan that since January 14, the province has yet to register an election-related violence case.

Although he said, police have arrested 10 people for violating the election gun ban and one for carrying a hand grenade.

Earlier, the President ordered the law enforcement agencies to intensify the campaign against firearms and also to strengthen intelligence networks down to the barangay level to avert any violence related to the campaign.

The relative political peace in the province according to Bucayo could be attributed on the 20 peace covenants the PNP have entered into, 6 peace rallies participated with, 3,411 checkpoints conducted and the establishment of a Quick Reaction Team in the Municipality of Aringay, considered as an area of immediate concern.

Based on the 2004 election related cases, the PNP has also included this May 14 elections the Municipalities of Bacnotan, Bagulin, Bangar, Rosario, Sto.Tomas, Tubao and the City of San Fernando as areas of concern, Bucayo added.