Comelec deputizes agencies in synchronized “Operation Baklas”

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) deputized agencies in Ozamiz City in “Operation Baklas” for secure, accurate, free and fair election against illegal campaign materials from national candidates on February 11.

“Ang atong pang-kwaon katong mga national poster, dili nato kwa-on ug hilabtan ang sa local candidates ka’y ang mga local nga poster dili pa sila kandidato karon ka’y kini nga baklas para sa national candidates,” Ozamiz City Comelec Officer Lawyer Ramil Acol said.

The national candidates, which includes those running for president, vice president, senators as well as party-list groups.





Acol explained that the operation aimed to remove campaign posters that do not conform to the sizes prescribed by the Comelec and are attached outside common poster areas.

He detailed other requirements that must be met by a campaign poster for it to be saved from the Operation Baklas, which is regularly conducted by the office.

“Ang atong common posters area sa Ozamiz mao ranang sa Barangay Hall, Multi-purpose Center, Barangay Public Markets, Cotta Square, Prospera Park ug Oxros Park. Kanang naa sa national highway, kahoy, poste bawal na siya,” he said.

(Our common posters area are in Ozamiz is Barangay Hall, Multi-purpose Center, Barangay Public Market, Cotta Square, Prospera Park and Osrox Park. Those in the national highway, trees and poles are not allowed)

Comelec also prohibits election propaganda that do not comply with the prescribed size of not more than two inches by three inches for posters as well as those that are posted outside the designated common poster areas or in private properties without the consent of owners.

Acol reminded candidates and their supporters to remove their campaign materials that are considered prohibited.

He also asked aspiring leaders to follow the rules and to discipline their supporters for them to abide by Comelec rules.

The operation baklas is composed of Comelec, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government, City Engineers Office and the city government of Ozamiz. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)