By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo City Task Force on Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures Unit (ASIS U) has ramped up its campaign against illegal posters and advertisements across the city.
Task Force ASIS U Head Lovejoy Hosenilla reported that over 20,000 posters attached to electric posts and trees were removed during operations that began Monday, November 18.
The cleanup drive initially focused on areas from Molo to Barangay Ungka in Jaro and will expand to other parts of Jaro in the coming days.
Hosenilla said the task force is prioritizing main highways and public plazas to enforce compliance with city regulations.
The operation only targets posters in public areas and utility poles while those in private properties are spared.
Confiscated materials, including campaign posters and commercial advertisements, are being stored temporarily at the ASIS U office.
Hosenilla reminded individuals and organizations to claim their materials within a week or risk their disposal.
“We appeal to everyone’s cooperation to follow the rules and seek the necessary permits before putting up any materials,” Hosenilla said.
He assured that the crackdown applies to all, even incumbent city hall officials.
Under Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-330, posting streamers, billboards, advertisements, notices, or signboards in public spaces without proper permits is prohibited.
The task force urged residents and businesses to adhere to the ordinance, stressing that maintaining clean and orderly public spaces is vital to the city’s image and functionality.
Operations will continue citywide in the coming weeks to ensure strict compliance with the ordinance.
