CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC-7) has issued a total of 268 show cause orders to partylist nominees and senatorial candidates for placing campaign materials in unauthorized areas across Central Visayas.
COMELEC-7 regional director Atty. Francisco Pobe confirmed that these violations were identified through Operation Baklas, an initiative aimed at dismantling illegal election materials and propaganda.
The operation, which was conducted from February 11 to March 8, led to the removal of approximately 22,000 illegal posters. Show cause orders were sent to concerned party-list groups and candidates, requiring them to explain their violations of COMELEC regulations and justify why they should not be penalized.
The candidates were given 72 hours to respond. While Pobe did not disclose the names of the top violators, he confirmed that all records are maintained at the Election Officer (EO) level.
“The record is with EO level. Figures lang ako,” said Pobe.
He reminded local candidates to adhere to election guidelines and serve as responsible role models for their supporters.
“After all, kamong mga kandidato ilado naman mo sa komunidad so inyo nalang buhaton is ipasundayag ang inyong kaugalingon nga kamo angayan mo mosilbi,” he said.
Candidates who fail to comply with COMELEC regulations on campaign materials may face legal consequences. Posters that violate COMELEC Resolution 10730 and the Fair Elections Act are subject to removal under Oplan Baklas.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, individuals found guilty of election violations may face imprisonment of one to six years without the option of probation. Additionally, violators will be disqualified from voting and holding public office. Political parties found guilty of violating election laws may also be fined a minimum of P10,000.
Peace and order monitoring
Meanwhile, Pobe shared that authorities are also closely monitoring the peace and order situation in Central Visayas during the election period.
Based on data from the Philippine National Police Regional Election Monitoring and Action Center (PNP REMAC) as of March 1, most areas in the region remain under the green category, indicating a low security threat.
However, some areas have been classified under yellow and orange categories due to historical election-related tensions.
In Bohol, the municipalities of Baclayon, Buenavista, Candijay, Pilar, and Ubay fall under the yellow category due to past election-related incidents, intense political rivalries, the presence of potential private armed groups (PAGs), or previous COMELEC control—without the involvement of domestic terror groups.
Meanwhile, Bilar and San Miguel in Bohol are under the orange category due to a combination of multiple yellow-category factors or serious armed threats from insurgent or other threat groups, as assessed by authorities.
In Cebu, only Lapu-Lapu City is classified under the yellow category, while the rest of the province remains in the green category, indicating no significant security concerns and a relatively peaceful election climate.
Pobe explained that these classifications are based on past election incidents and ongoing political rivalries.
“Rivalry sa mga politiko but not as intense as it is. Init lang sila sa politika kay the protagonist kay capacitated and then sakto pud og qualifications,” he noted.
Despite the relatively stable situation, Pobe warned against complacency.
“Based on my experience, the most dangerous nag election is the peaceful scenario, kanang wata kahibaw sa mahitabo ba…That is why we should not be complacent and dili ta angay kompiyansaan,” he emphasized. — (FREEMAN)