Comelec’s massive ‘Operation Baklas’ in full swing

MMDA personnel prepare for deployment for the Comelec’s ‘Operation Baklas’ on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, to remove illegal campaign posters and other materials in Metro Manila. Photo by Daphne Galvez/ INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched on Thursday “Operation Baklas,” a massive takedown of illegal campaign posters and materials.

Personnel from the Comelec and several other government agencies fanned out in Metro Manila to remove prohibited forms of paraphernalia.

“Tayo ay magbabaklas. Gagawa tayo ng pagdo-document ng existing na material na in violation of our campaign rules. Babaklasin natin. Ipi-preserve natin ang mga nabaklas na materials,” Comelec Spokerperson James Jimenez said in a press briefing.

He said confiscated campaign materials would be used by the Comelec in filing charges against candidates who violated campaign rules.

The poll body earlier identified areas in the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and Quezon City where “Operation Baklas” would be conducted.

Personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would help the poll body in removing illegal posters.

The MMDA deployed more than 50 personnel and several man-lift trucks, while DPWH deployed over 400 personnel and 10 dump trucks for the operation.

Meanwhile, PNP personnel will be deputized by the Comelec to remove illegal campaign materials all across the country for the duration of the campaign period.

“We will be giving directives to all the regional directors para gawin din itong pagbaklas ng illegal posters,” PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing.

“Pwedeng magbaklaas ang PNP on its own, according to the Comelec, provided that we inform the local Comelec officials,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jimenez said that with the help of the LTFRB, they would apprehend public utility vehicles (PUVs) found violating campaign rules.

“Kung may makita tayong mga violative na PUV, we might take action, depending on the situation,” the Comelec spokesperson said.

Under Comelec Resolution 10488, campaign posters should not be bigger than two feet by three feet and should only be displayed in common poster areas or in private properties with the consent of the owners.

Meanwhile, posters and tarpaulins of political parties and party-list groups should only measure 12 feet by 16 feet or its equivalent not exceeding 192 square feet.

For PUVs, stickers should not be bigger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches. /cbb