Start of local campaign in province peaceful

The first few days of the campaign period for local positions in Negros Occidental
have been peaceful, Atty. Ian Lee, provincial election supervisor, said on Monday.

The start of the local campaign kicked off on Friday, March 28 when the Commission on Elections also started conducting the simultaneous nationwide Oplan Baklas.

Ananoria added that they have not yet sent any notice of violation to any candidate who found to violate the rule on illegal campaign materials.

“We are waiting for the reports from the local election officers in the province,” he said.

He said that their focus now are the illegal campaign materials along major streets and public places

He said that he personally saw campaign materials in barangay halls.

Earlier, Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, regional election supervisor for Negros Island Region, warned barangay captains that they will be held liable if the materials are not removed.

Barangay officials, even if they are not running for office, are responsible as custodians of barangay facilities, Castillano pointed out.

He added that violators may face the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any elective public office.*