Comelec, PNP, AFP to start ‘Oplan Baklas-Poster’ today

It’s now time to wipe off those smiling faces from the walls and lampposts.

Starting today, combined personnel of the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections will implement "Operation Plan: Baklas Posters" all over Metro Manila.

AFP community relations chief Brig. Gen. Jaime Canatoy and Comelec-National Capital Region director Ferdinand Rafanan said the government is ready for Oplan: Baklas today, the last day for campaigning.

At least 500 personnel from the AFP and Metro Manila Development Authority will be deployed in strategic areas to help restore walls and posts to their more or less original pristine state before being "desecrated" by the various mugs of candidates in the May 14 polls.

"We will be accompanied by the PNP and lawyers from the Comelec for the apprehension of violators and supporters who may prevent our personnel from removing these posters," Canatoy said.

The Comelec tapped the regular members of the military and reservist volunteers for the clean-up campaign, where they are expected to come armed to the teeth with pails, water hoses, cleanser, scrubbing pad and related cleaning implements.

"They can no longer replace the posters that we removed. That would be a violation of the Comelec provisions," Rafanan said.

Canatoy said the personnel will be deployed starting 7 a.m. from Liwasang Bonifacio (formerly Lawton) toward various Light Railway Transit (LRT) stations from Taft Avenue, Pasay City to Monumento in Caloocan City.

OPLAN: Baklas will also cover several areas in cities of Quezon, Makati, Marikina, and the Caloocan City, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava) area. –Christina Mendez