Comelec: Oplan Katok likely suspended for elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday it presumed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) had suspended Oplan Katok, a door-to-door campaign against expired firearm licenses, following the PNP's commitment to comply with election-related directives.

“Noong mga nakaraang pagpunta ng ating Chief PNP sa Comelec, nag-commit siya na ang buong organisasyon ng PNP ay tatalima sa kung anumang ipag-uutos ng Comelec,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an ambush interview.

(In previous meetings with the Comelec, the Chief PNP committed that the entire PNP organization would adhere to our orders.)

“And therefore, kung napansin natin wala tayong namomonitor whatsoever tungkol sa Oplan Katok at pin-resume namin na yan ay sinuspend ng PNP dahil nasa commitment ng ating butihing Chief PNP,” he added.

(As we have not monitored any ongoing Oplan Katok operations, we presume the PNP has already suspended it in line with their commitment.)

Garcia suggested that instead of visiting homes, the PNP should send written notices to gun owners with expired licenses.

“Yan po ay suhestyon po natin. Nasabi natin na sa halip na katukin, magpadala ng mga sulat. At kung hindi talaga susunod, kakasuhan natin,” he explained.

(That was our recommendation. Instead of knocking on doors, they should send letters. If individuals still fail to comply, then we will proceed with legal action.) 

GMA News Online reached out to the PNP for confirmation regarding the suspension but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Earlier, Garcia urged the PNP to suspend Oplan Katok during the election period, warning that it could have a chilling effect on voters and might be exploited by politicians.

In response, the PNP announced plans to issue additional guidelines to prevent possible misuse of Oplan Katok operations during the election season. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
 

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