BAGUIO CITY – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), led by Regional Election Director Julius D. Torres and City Election Officer John Paul A. Martin, confiscated a total of 655 illegally posted campaign materials during the synchronized nationwide “Operation Baklas” on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The initiative aimed to enforce Republic Act No. 9006, or the Fair Elections Act, by removing posters placed outside designated areas.
The operation was conducted in coordination with the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Campaign materials posted on public fences, waiting sheds, electric posts, trees, and other prohibited areas were dismantled and brought to the COMELEC office for inventory.
Of the 655 confiscated materials, 123 belonged to senatorial candidates, 423 to party-list groups, and 109 to local candidates.
The DPWH assisted in removing oversized and improperly placed materials, while the BCPO provided security to maintain order.
BCPO City Director PCOL Ruel D. Tagel reaffirmed the police force’s role in ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process.
“Our duty is to provide security and ensure COMELEC can enforce election laws without disruption. We continue to support efforts to maintain fairness and peace throughout the election period,” he stated.
The synchronized “Operation Baklas” comes as the May 12, 2025, midterm elections approach.
The gun ban and election period began on January 12 and will run until June 11, 2025.
The campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates started on February 11, while campaigning for district representatives, provincial, city, and municipal officials began on March 28.
All campaign activities will end on May 10, 2025.
With the election period in full swing, the BCPO reaffirmed its apolitical stance and commitment to safeguarding election-related activities.
The public is encouraged to report any election-related concerns to the nearest police station or COMELEC office.
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