In Cotabato City, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a directive for all national candidates and party-list groups to remove their campaign posters from areas not designated for such purposes. This order was announced on Monday, February 10, 2025, by Dindo Maglasang, the acting city election officer, who emphasized the need to adhere to Comelec Resolution 11086. This resolution strictly prohibits the placement of campaign materials in unauthorized locations, including public spaces, trees, streetlamps, electric posts, and private properties without the owner’s permission.
Maglasang has given a clear directive to all involved parties to immediately remove any campaign materials found outside the designated Comelec common poster areas. Failure to comply will lead to the initiation of ‘Oplan Baklas’ or ‘Operation Removal’ starting Tuesday, February 11. This operation will see the city’s Comelec office actively dismantling any illegally placed campaign posters and other propaganda materials.
The focus of ‘Operation Baklas’ will be on posters belonging to national, local, and party-list candidates that are found in unauthorized areas throughout Cotabato City. The primary goal of this move is to uphold election laws and maintain a fair and orderly campaign environment as the election period progresses.