Comelec leads ‘Oplan Baklas’ in Albay

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Commission on Elections in Bicol (Comelec-5) and other government agencies on Friday started removing illegal campaign materials of local aspirants as the campaign period officially begins.

In an interview on Friday, Conie Del Castillo, Comelec election officer IV, said the operation called “Oplan Baklas” is important to ensure fair elections.

“We want to level the playing field for all candidates because some may have more resources and can afford more tarpaulins,” she said in their regional language.

She added that candidates should place their campaign materials only in Comelec-designated common poster areas.

“For private properties, campaign materials may be posted with the owner’s consent. However, public buildings should remain free from such materials to prevent misuse of government resources to benefit certain candidates,” Del Castillo said.

Other agencies are helping the Comelec to tear down non-compliant campaign materials.

“Since Comelec has limited manpower, we deputized the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) to assist us in the operation baklas. They are part of the Task Force Baklas, and we also seek assistance from the PNP (Philippine National Police) for the security of those conducting the operation,” she added.

Meanwhile, Yara Pinat, an 18-year-old first-time voter from Puro, Legazpi City, and a Comelec intern, said she was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the operation, as students do not always get to be part of such an activity.

“Of course, as part of the youth, I need to be politically aware of what politicians can and cannot do during the campaign period,” Pinat said.

She also said that she learned about the rules and regulations on campaign posters through Oplan Baklas.

“And as a student in the Humanities and Social Sciences field, I think it’s really important for us students to be aware and immerse ourselves in this operation because those who are campaigning are the ones who will leadus if ever they get elected. So, we should know who they are and what they are doing here,” Pinat said.

All campaign materials removed during Oplan Baklas are set for disposal. (with reports from Angelica Joyce Serrano and Alyana Amador, OJTs/PNA)

OPLAN BAKLAS. Commission on Elections (Comelec) interns from the University of Sto. Tomas Legazpi join the Comelec, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Philippine National Police personnel in Albay to remove campaign materials not posted in common posting areas on Friday (March 28, 2025). The removal of illegally posted campaign materials is part of “Oplan Baklas” and kicked off on the same day as the start of the local campaign period. (Photo by Alyana Shane Amador, OJT/PNA)