To help eliminate political posters nailed on trees and other areas that are detrimental to the environment, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM collaborates with the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor of Maguindanao in tearing down said election materials last 26 April 2022.

This activity is in pursuant to Republic Act No. 9006, otherwise known as the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC Resolution No. 10730 series of 2021 aka Task Force to Tear Down and Remove Unlawful Election Materials. The Provincial Election Supervisor II Atty. Muamar A. Guyo chairs the Task Force, while MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim serves as a member.

The team removed political posters violating environmental laws from Barangay Poblacion Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat up to Poblacion I, Parang, Maguindanao. The MENRE was represented by the team of Community ENRE Office of Maguindanao 1st District led by CENRE Officer Noroden S. Abdullah and Forester Guiamel D. Abdul.

The Ministry reminds the public that cutting or injuring trees by posting or nailing election materials are violations sanctioned by our laws not only this election period but on a daily basis.

Republic Act 3571 prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises, or in any other public pleasure ground.

In addition, Section 3 of Presidential Decree 953 punishes violators with imprisonment of six months to two years, or a fine of not less than P500.00, and not more than P5,000.00, or both.