Comelec removes illegally placed campaign materials

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Cagayan de Oro City has begun removing illegally posted campaign materials in city streets as part of its “Operation Baklas” ahead of the May 14 village and youth polls.

Lawyer Ramil Acol, city Comelec officer, said two task force groups composed of personnel from the local poll body and the police were formed and have started taking down campaign posters, tarpaulins, and the like, that are posted on electric posts or hanged over the trees, last Friday, May 4.

The task force is tasked to roam around the city to take down over-sized and unauthorized display of campaign paraphernalia until Friday, May 12.

"Ang duha ka task force para sa first and second district. Ubay-ubay napud atong nakuha nga mga campaign materials, nga wala sa designated areas," Acol said.

But, Acol refused to identify the candidates who figured in the posters taken out by the authorities.

He said the removed campaign materials will be stocked inside the poll body's office for safekeeping after the inventory is made.

"I cannot mention kay mahulog unya nga duna tay gipaboran nga kandidato. Ang amo lang nga tangtangon namo," he added.

The chief of the city Comelec also said they could not even charge candidates who posted their campaign materials outside the common poster areas because there was no resolution or order from the national office for them to file cases against violators.

However, he said private citizens or rival candidates may press charges as long as they stand on it and substantiate it with proof and witnesses.

"Ang order sa amo is baklason lang kay wala may resolution nga mag-file mi og kaso pero ang private citizen pwede mag-file,"Acol said.

"Pwede maigo gyud ang kandidato kay election offense mana. Kabalo ang mga police investigators ana kay pangayoan man kinsay witness ug kung naay picture," he added.

The city Comelec is also currently briefing teachers who will serve as Board of Election Inspectors this week.