PNP to issue more guidelines for 'Oplan Katok'

Additional guidelines on Oplan Katok will be issued to prevent possible abuse in its operations during the election season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

Oplan Katok is the PNP's door-to-door campaign targeting firearms with expired licenses.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the police organization will make some "adjustments" amid concerns raised by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“We expect na may ilalabas na additional guidelines ang ating Directorate for Operations to make sure na what is the intent of the letter nitong guidelines ay talagang masusunod ng ating mga pulis,” she said.

(We expect that our Directorate for Operations will issue additional guidelines to make sure that the intent of the letter of these guidelines will be followed by our police officers.)

“At hindi ito magagamit sa pangha-harass at intimidation kagaya ng mga apprehension na naririnig po natin," she added.

(That's to ensure that it cannot be used for harassment and intimidation like the apprehensions we heard.)

Earlier, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia urged the PNP to suspend the campaign as it may have a chilling effect on voters and may be abused by some politicians.

Fajardo pointed out that the PNP has enough safeguards for the implementation of Oplan Katok.

“Being one of the deputized agencies, ang PNP ay susunod sa mga regulation at authority ng Comelec over the PNP," she said.

(Being one of the deputized agencies, the PNP will follow the regulations and authority of the Comelec over the PNP.)

“Again, lagi nga natin sinasabi we just have to find a common ground para ma-meet din natin ang requirements ng Comelec with respect sa assurance na ibinibigay ng PNP na hindi maaabuso itong Revitalized Katok,” she added.

(We always say we just have to find a common ground so that we can also meet the requirements of the Comelec with respect to the assurance given by the PNP that this Revitalized Katok will not be abused.)

PNP asked to uphold human rights, transparency

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the PNP to ensure transparency and uphold human rights during “Oplan Katok,” saying the operation may “inadvertently cause fear or intimidation” to the public.

The commission cited Article 3, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, which protects individuals against unwarranted searches and seizures, affirming that law enforcement must operate within the bounds of legal and procedural safeguards.

“We urge the PNP to ensure that all operations uphold the rights and dignity of individuals, without undue pressure or coercion. Transparency and strict adherence to constitutional rights are imperative to prevent perceptions of misuse or intimidation—particularly in the highly charged political climate of an election season,” the CHR said.

“CHR, as the country’s national human rights institution, remains committed to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding human rights while ensuring that law enforcement measures align with the legal and regulatory framework,” it added.

The election period started on January 12.

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups is set from February 11 to May 10, 2025. Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates for House of Representatives and parliamentary, provincial, city and municipal elections will be from March 28 to May 10.

Election Day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30. 

—with Sundy Locus/VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News