TACLOBAN CITY—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the region has reported positive progress in its ongoing ‘Operation Baklas.’
Lawyer Ma. Corazon Montallana, Comelec assistant regional director, noted that the initiative to remove illegal campaign materials has been proceeding smoothly, with candidates showing greater compliance.
“There aren’t many campaign materials left to remove. Based on our inventory, the number has significantly decreased. This means that candidates are gradually becoming more compliant with election laws,” Montallana said in an interview on Wednesday, April 2.
She also expressed satisfaction with the level of adherence in Tacloban City, in particular, which has seen fewer violations compared to other areas.
“That’s something I appreciate about Tacloban. Our candidates here are generally more compliant, unlike in other areas where campaign materials are placed indiscriminately,” she said.
‘Operation Baklas’ is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units (LGUs), and in some areas, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The initiative began on February 11 for national candidates and March 28 for local candidates, aiming to ensure a fair election process by enforcing regulations on campaign materials.
(JOHN LORENZ S. LESIGUEZ, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
