COTABATO CITY (April 4, 2019) — Dubbed “Oplan Baklas”, BARMM-MENRE conducted the first campaign on the removal of nailed political ads and campaign materials on planted and growing trees and any plants commencing from Cotabato City enroute to the Municipalities of Buluan, Montawal, Sultan Kudarat and back at Cotabato City.

As part of the Ministry’s first 100-Days Action Plan, one of its performance indicators is the advocacy campaign on the pursuing of the Republic Act No. 3571, an act that prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees or any plants along public places and roads. This includes the nailing of political ads and campaign materials on the said plants as this does not help “promote and conserve the beauty of objects of scenic and ornamental value along public places and help preserve cool, fresh and healthful climate.”

“As we apologize for the sudden removal of the nailed political ads and campaign materials on trees as we are only doing what’s stated by the law, we also appeal to the candidates in the upcoming election to support the cause of Oplan Baklas campaign,” the Minister of BARMM-MENRE, Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, said.

“We also ask for the supporters of these candidates to follow the regulation as we all want to protect our trees altogether,” Minister Macacua added.

The Operation Baklas was conducted in partnership with Commission on Election (COMELEC), State Security Forces and law enforcement officers to create a smooth and justified implementation of the campaign.

As each municipality was purged of unwanted political ads and campaign materials, Minister Macacua made courtesy calls to the officials of the municipalities to discuss the importance of Oplan Baklas and coordinate with them to continue implementing the cause in their respective communities.

BARMM-MENRE commits to regularly monitor individuals and parties found violating the law and continue removing the nailed political ads and campaign materials on unwanted areas as this is a part of its advocacy to protect and conserve Bangsamoro environment.