MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested 9 people for sticking thousands of campaign posters on center islands along the stretch of Rizal Avenue in Manila past midnight Monday.

Superintendent Nelson Yabut, Sta. Cruz Central Market station commander, said the 9 were caught redhanded while sticking posters of presidential and vice-presidential candidates Richard Gordon and Bayani Fernando on center islands from Recto to Blumentritt.

One of the suspects, Ezekiel Mariano, said he was unaware that sticking campaign posters on public property was illegal. "We were just paid P200 to do this," he said.

Yabut said the 9 would face vandalism charges for defacing public property but would still be freed on bail.

"I think it's the candidates who should make an effort to stop this," he added.