Abalos warns BSKE candidates violating election laws, QCPD assists in operation ‘baklas’

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday said that there are candidates in the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections who are deliberately committing the prohibited acts defined in our election laws, especially illegal campaigning and vote buying.

In particular, the use of oversized campaign posters and placing them outside the designated common poster areas as well as vote-buying using online fund transfer and even providing various forms of "ayuda"/assistance to the voters.

Abalos said DILG fully supports the Commission on Election in its desire to conduct a fair, honest, peaceful, and safe BSKE on 30 October this year.

"Together with the Philippine National Police as well as its attached offices, we are committed to helping the Comelec in going after campaign violators nationwide and to ensure that they are prosecuted in accordance with existing election laws," Abalos said.

"Nagbabala na ang Comelec na kahit nanalo ang isang kandidato sa bilangan ay maaring hindi iproklama hangga't hindi nareresolba ang reklamong inihain laban sa kanya. Kaya kahit manalo kayo, basta't ipinag -utos ng Comelec na pababain kayo, I will make sure na kayo ay matatanggal sa inyong puwesto. Gagawin natin ito upang mapanatili ang integridad ng halalan. Let us give the voters the respect they deserve," he added.

On the other hand, personnel from Police Stations 1 to 16 of the Quezon City Police District have commenced the provision of invaluable assistance in Operation Baklas within the city.

Operation Baklas 2023, a collaborative endeavor between the QCPD, COMELEC, and local government agencies, aspires to eliminate the presence of excessively large campaign posters, as well as those that have been inappropriately displayed outside the designated common poster areas.

"The QCPD's involvement in this operation highlights its proactive approach to maintaining law and order in Quezon City. Hence, I urge the cooperation and understanding of QCitizens in this operation for the attainment of a peaceful BSKE 2023," QCPD Director P/Brig.Gen. Redrico Maranan said.