PNP: Oplan Katok to help keep Eleksyon 2025 safe

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed Sunday that "Oplan Katok," its door-to-door campaign targeting firearms with expired licenses, will help ensure a safe 2025 national and local elections.

PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil said the initiative supports the ongoing election gun ban by accounting for all firearms and ensuring they are legally held.

"In the long run, Revitalized Katok strengthens our efforts to keep elections safe, as it prevents unrenewed firearms from being used for illegal activities,” Marbil said in a statement.

However, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia urged the PNP to suspend Oplan Katok during the election period, warning it could instill fear in voters and be used to benefit certain candidates.

The election period began on January 12, 2025, alongside a nationwide gun ban lasting until June 11—one month after the May 12 polls—to curb election-related violence.

Marbil defended the campaign, stating that the PNP was simply enforcing Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), which requires firearm owners to renew their licenses periodically. Failure to comply could lead to revocation of firearm privileges and possible confiscation.

“Revitalized Katok is a year-round initiative ensuring firearm holders comply with the law. It is not, and will never be, used for political purposes,” he emphasized.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo echoed this, stating the campaign is not meant to intimidate or harass anyone.

“Kapag nagpupunta tayo ay unang una, meron tayong official na letter na ipina-rereceive sa kanila kasi base lang ang ating kinakatok ay ‘yun lamang pong mga nakalista sa database natin,” Fajardo said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

(When we visit homes, we first present an official letter, and we only visit those listed in our database.)

So far, nearly 17,000 gun licenses have been renewed, and over 10,000 firearms turned in for safekeeping under the program. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.