The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday warned candidates that failing to remove their campaign materials may result in cases before their assumption of office.

In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the Task Force Baklas continues to monitor the removal of campaign materials, especially outside Metro Manila.

"We urge them to report to our local Comelec offices those who do not remove their campaign materials, and we give notices to them," Garcia told reporters in Filipino.

"Again, we don't really have to send out notices to remove their campaign materials because it's already in the law, five days after the elections, they must remove their campaign paraphernalia," he added.

Meanwhile, Garcia said they could also go after the losing candidates who also failed to remove their election materials once they filed candidacy again.

Garcia said over 64 metric tons of campaign materials were collected in Metro Manila alone. He also noted that many of the campaign materials did not comply with the biodegradable requirement of the Comelec.

The poll body ordered candidates to dismantle their campaign materials five days after the 12 May elections.

Gun ban reminder

Comelec also reminded the public that the ban on firearms is still in place even after the midterm polls.

Garcia reiterated that the gun ban will continue 30 days after the 12 May polls, or until 11 June.

"We remind the public, maybe because they thought that just because the elections have ended, the gun ban ended too, no, it's still there," Garcia noted.

The gun ban, implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on 12 January, prohibits licensed firearms holders from carrying guns and bladed weapons outside their homes, as their permit to carry firearms outside their residence has been suspended.

The ban also includes the use of bodyguards or security personnel without proper accreditation from the Comelec.

Garcia also noted a slight increase in gun ban violators nationwide.

"Because they thought the gun ban was no longer in effect. It's still there. It's until 11 June," he reiterated.

As of 12 May, the PNP has apprehended 2,908 gun ban violators.

Garcia also reminded gun owners that they could face two cases for violating the said ban: Illegal possession of firearms and violation ofthe gun ban of the poll body.

Penalties include one to six years imprisonment or permanent disqualification from public offices and loss of the right to vote.

Meanwhile, foreign individuals who would violate the ban could face deportation after prison term.