Seized campaign posters up for recycling

The Comelec and the PNP take down illegally posted campaign materials, days before the May 13 elections.
Photo by Calabarzon PNP

SAN PEDRO CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police in Calabarzon have carried out their last round of “Oplan Baklas” to take down illegal campaign materials, just days before the May 13 elections.

As of Wednesday morning, the two agencies have seized 28,226 pieces of tarpaulins across the region.

The Comelec has prohibited posting election materials on electric posts, school facades, and trees and has designated only certain spots as common areas.

Recyclable

Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, Calabarzon police spokesperson, said Wednesday that the confiscated campaign materials, mostly tarpaulins, and planks of wood, would be disposed of.

“But those which could still be recycled would be recycled,” she said.

Gaoiran said “Oplan Baklas” would continue throughout the week as part of PNP’s election preparations.

Gloria Petalio, Comelec regional director, said in a phone interview that her office has conducted similar efforts many times throughout the election season this year, “but some (people) just keep on coming back (posting in illegal areas).”

In Calamba City, Laguna, election officer Aisel Jagmis said the city government has taken charge of disposing of the confiscated campaign materials from the city.

Calabarzon has the highest population of registered voters in the Philippines for 2019 at 8,674,351, the Comelec said. Maricar Cinco