DAVAO CITY (August 3) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Maguindanao del Norte has directed all candidates, regional political parties, and parliamentary sectoral organizations participating in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections to immediately remove campaign materials illegally posted outside designated common poster areas.
Lawyer Mohammad Nabil Mutia, Comelec provincial election supervisor, issued the directive on Saturday after election officials observed campaign posters, streamers, and other propaganda materials displayed in prohibited areas across the province, including Cotabato City.
“You are directed to take down immediately all your election campaign materials posted outside of the designated Comelec common poster areas in Maguindanao del Norte, including Cotabato City,” Mutia said in his notice.
He noted that campaign materials have been posted on trees, electric posts, government structures, and other public places where election propaganda is prohibited under Comelec regulations.
The official campaign period for the September 14, 2026, first-ever parliamentary elections in BARMM began on July 30, with 2,393,530 registered voters expected to elect members of the Bangsamoro Parliament through regional political parties, parliamentary district representatives, and sectoral organizations.
Mutia reminded candidates that campaign materials may only be displayed in designated common poster areas established by the Commission.
“Please be reminded that posting of campaign materials is not allowed in public places, trees, street lamps, electric posts, and private properties without the consent of the owner,” he said.
Province-wide Oplan Baklas
Comelec and its deputized agencies will launch a synchronized province-wide “Oplan Baklas” on Monday, August 3, to remove illegally posted campaign materials if candidates fail to comply voluntarily.
Among those to be removed are:
- Campaign materials posted outside designated common poster areas;
- Posters attached to trees, electric posts, streetlights, bridges, traffic signs, waiting sheds, schools, and government buildings;
- Campaign materials placed on private property without the owner’s permission;
- Oversized posters that exceed the dimensions prescribed by Comelec;
- Propaganda materials made of non-recyclable materials instead of cloth, paper, cardboard, or other recyclable materials.
- Mutia said Monday’s operation marks only the beginning of the campaign against illegally posted election propaganda.
“This is only the start of Oplan Baklas,” he said, adding that Comelec teams will continue monitoring the province throughout the campaign period.
Common Election Violations
Comelec reminded candidates that compliance with election propaganda rules is essential to ensure a fair, orderly, and environmentally responsible campaign.
Among the most common election violations related to campaign materials are:
- Posting campaign posters and tarpaulins in prohibited public places;
- Posting campaign materials on private property without the owner’s consent;
- Installing oversized campaign materials beyond Comelec-prescribed limits;
- Using prohibited or non-recyclable campaign materials;
- Removing, defacing, or covering the lawful campaign materials of other candidates;
- Failing to remove illegal campaign materials despite notice from the Commission.
Election officials warned that candidates who disregard these regulations may face charges for election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code and applicable Comelec resolutions.
The Commission said Oplan Baklas is intended to ensure that all candidates and political parties are treated equally while promoting an orderly, fair, and environmentally responsible election campaign.
The September 14 parliamentary elections will be the first under the Bangsamoro parliamentary form of government, with voting to be conducted in 1,186 voting centers and 5,212 clustered precincts across the BARMM.-Editha Z Caduaya
