Comelec urges Bicol candidates to remove illegal campaign materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bicol has urged local candidates to voluntarily remove illegal and non-compliant campaign materials before the local campaign period begins on Friday.

Comelec-5 Regional Director Maria Juana Valeza stated that notices were sent three days prior, instructing candidates to remove posters outside designated common poster areas, exceeding size limits, or failing to comply with election guidelines.

Valeza expressed hope that candidates would not wait for "Oplan Baklas" to commence.

The province of Sorsogon has shown compliance, with Governor Edwin Hamor personally leading removal efforts, while Albay has seen candidates beginning to take down non-compliant posters.

Comelec, in coordination with the DENR, DPWH, and PNP, will start "Oplan Baklas" on Friday to conduct a summary removal operation of all illegal campaign materials.