Bicol: The Commission on Elections in Bicol (Comelec-5) has issued an appeal to local candidates across the six provinces to voluntarily dismantle illegal campaign materials ahead of the 'Oplan Baklas' initiative, as the local campaign period is set to commence on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-5 Regional Director Maria Juana Valeza highlighted that notices were dispatched three days earlier, instructing candidates to remove posters that were improperly placed outside designated common poster areas, exceeded the permitted size, or violated election guidelines. Valeza urged candidates not to delay action, stating, "We have already notified them, and hopefully, they will not wait for us or delay until tomorrow to remove them."
Notably, Sorsogon province has demonstrated compliance with election regulations, as Governor Edwin Hamor has taken a proactive role in leading the removal efforts. In Albay, monitoring by Comelec has shown that candidates have begun taking down non-compliant posters. The 'Oplan Baklas' initiative, a collaborative effort involving the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), will kick off on Friday with a focus on the summary removal of all illegal campaign materials.
In terms of security measures, the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) is providing essential support to Comelec for the 'Oplan Baklas' operation. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon announced that a police operation is set to begin on Friday, targeting the removal of posters and banners displayed outside designated campaign areas. He emphasized that according to Comelec Resolution No. 11086, all candidates and political parties are mandated to eliminate prohibited campaign materials at least 72 hours before the official campaign start date, with non-compliance potentially leading to sanctions or disqualification.
Dizon stressed the importance of tightened security measures to ensure peaceful, fair, and orderly elections. He stated, "As the campaign period for candidates vying for seats in the House of Representatives, as well as parliamentary, provincial, city, and municipal positions, officially begins on March 28, 2025, we at the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) are enhancing our security protocols to guarantee a peaceful, fair, and orderly election."
Key security measures being implemented include increased deployment of police personnel and the introduction of bike and motorcycle patrols. Dizon noted, "This initiative aims to deter potential threats, uphold public order, and ensure rapid response to incidents during campaign activities, such as rallies, motorcades, and public gatherings."
PRO-5 remains committed to ensuring a smooth electoral process with strengthened security measures. Dizon urged candidates and their supporters to comply with election laws and conduct their campaigns ethically, refraining from violence or unlawful practices. The campaign period for local candidates will extend until May 10, 2025, during which law enforcement agencies will actively monitor and enforce election-related policies to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
