Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (PA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 2 has removed nearly 800 illegal campaign materials, including posters and advertisements, that were nailed or posted on trees.
The operation was part of thee department’s ongoing “Oplan Baklas” campaign, in partnership with the Commission on Election and other agencies. The materials were turned over to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the relevant Local Government Units (LGUs) for further processing.
DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan said that the operation covered more than 800 kilometers of national highways and major roads across the region.
The initiative involved 817 participants from various law enforcement and government agencies, including the COMELEC, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and local government units from the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels.
Director Bambalan emphasized the importance of preserving trees, urging the public to refrain from damaging them by posting or nailing advertisements, which can lead to injury and infestation.
“We thank our partners for their invaluable support during this important Oplan Baklas operation, especially during the election campaign period,” Bambalan said.
The operation is in line with Republic Act No. 3571, also known as the “Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying, or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants, Shrubs, or Plants of Scenic Value along Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, School Premises, or Any Other Public Pleasure Ground.”
It also adheres to COMELEC Resolution No. 10730, which specifically bans the posting of campaign materials on trees and other locations not designated as “common poster areas”.
The DENR continues to urge the public to be mindful of the environment during the election season and to follow regulations designed to protect public spaces and natural resources. (OTB/PIA Region 2 with reports from DENR 2)
