The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) will conduct “Oplan Baklas” regularly to get rid of illegal campaign materials throughout the poll period.

Comelec-NIR Assistant Regional Director Jossil Macute said on Tuesday, February 11, it will ensure that candidates seeking elective posts will abide by the Fair Elections Act.

“At the start of the campaign period today for national candidates, the Special Task Force Baklas assigned to remove illegal campaign materials was activated, and we have deputized agencies to help us,” Macute said in an interview.

“This is not just today but also ahead of the campaign period for local candidates next month,” he added.

Among the deputized agencies are the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Justice.

The agencies will help the Comelec in the implementation of election laws, Macute said.

Macute led the “Oplan Baklas” in Bacolod City, or tearing down in areas not designated by the Comelec.

An initial inventory of the posters taken down on Tuesday showed that the majority of the materials were from party-list candidates.

Macute warned that repetitive violations by a candidate would mean sanctions and possible disqualification.

The Comelec will store the illegal campaign materials until after election day on May 12 as they may be used as evidence. (PNA)