Illegally posted campaign materials in Negros taken down

BACOLOD CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Oplan Baklas teams in Negros Occidental on Feb. 11 started removing illegally posted campaign materials of candidates for the May 2025 polls.

At least 286 campaign posters were removed from trees, posts, and walls along Araneta and Lacson streets in Bacolod, according to City Election Officer Revo Sorbito.

Sorbito said campaign posters should be two by three feet in size and should be placed in common poster areas.

“We appeal to candidates and their supporters to follow campaign rules,” he said.

“We also appeal to them not to illegally post campaign materials because the time Comelec personnel spend taking them down could be spent focusing on preparations for the elections,” he added.

Negros Occidental Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said they commenced “Oplan Baklas” on Tuesday to remove illegal campaign materials in public spaces, ensuring compliance with election and environmental regulations.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on all candidates to respect each other.

“I’ve heard of reports of (campaign) tarpaulins being vandalized and torn (by personnel hired by other candidates),” he said.

“Tarpaulins don’t win the elections but what’s important is let’s respect each other. Let’s show that in Negros we can have a peaceful campaign,” he said.