PNP to launch Oplan Baklas vs illegal campaign materials

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it will remove campaign materials mounted in prohibited areas and apprehend those who are caught putting them up.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said police officers would conduct patrols. 

“Kapag may natyempuhan po tayo ay kailangan po natin silang i-accost at hulihin po dahil ito po ay considered as elections offense,” she said.

(If we catch them in the act of placing campaign posters in prohibited areas, we will accost them because this is considered an election offense.)

“Katulad ng ginawa natin noong mga nakaraan election ay mag-o-Oplan Baklas na lang po tayo katuwang po yung ating election officials pati na rin po other authorized agencies,” she added.

(Like what we did in the previous elections, we will launch Oplan Baklas with the help of election officials and other authorized agencies.)

The Commission on Elections has banned the posting of election campaign or propaganda material outside of authorized common poster areas, in public places, or on private properties without the consent of the owner.

It identified public places as publicly owned electronic announcement boards, motor vehicles, mass public transport owned by the government, waiting sheds, sidewalks, schools, and premises of public transport terminals, among others.

The campaign period for candidates for national posts began on Tuesday, February 8. The campaign period for local candidates, on the other hand, begins on March 25.

The 2022 national and local elections are on May 9. — VBL, GMA News