By Lou Ellen Antonio

ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – As more political candidates and parties continue to post campaign materials, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded them not to harm the environment. 

Acting City Election Officer Atty. Joel Dexter Nagtalon, called on the political candidates and supporters to avoid putting campaign posters in prohibited locations that might harm the environment.

“[Posting on trees] is actually a criminal violation because there is a specific law prohibiting the posting of anything on any living thing including trees, shrubs, and plants. Gawas nga naay separate law ana, dili pud siya [Aside from the separate law about that, it is not ] allowed sa [in] COMELEC Resolution 10730 or the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Fair Elections Act,” said Nagtalon.

As the Task Force Baklas held another operation on the removal of “unlawful” election materials, campaign materials posted by political candidates on trees were removed.

Nagtalon said that the election materials should only be posted on common poster areas. He reminded the poll bets and their supporters to follow the rules. He emphasized that posting on trees will not only harm the environment but will also trigger or create tension among candidates.

“So, ako lang pahimangno nila nga let us follow the rules. Kung dili ta musunod ani, tanan pud mag violate. Gawas nga dili siya makatabang sa atong environment, makacreate pud siya og tension among candidates,” he said. 

[So, I just remind them to follow the rules. If we do not follow this, everyone will violate it. Not only it can harm our environment, but it can also create tension among our candidates.] (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Norte)