Manila, March 27 -- The Commission on Elections in Bicol (Comelec-5) has called on local candidates in the six provinces to voluntarily remove illegal campaign materials before the launch of "Oplan Baklas," as the local campaign period begins Friday.

In a radio interview on Thursday, Comelec-5 Regional Director Maria Juana Valeza said they had sent notices three days prior, instructing candidates to take down posters either placed outside designated common poster areas, exceeding the allowed size, or not complying with election guidelines.

"We have already notified them, and hopefully, they will not wait for us or delay until tomorrow to remove them," Valeza said.

She added the province of Sorsogon has been compliant with election regu...