THE Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has assured the public that the ongoing implementation of its Revitalized Oplan: Katok is a normal operation aimed at accounting for delinquent firearm holders.

Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013, penalizes the possession of unregistered firearms depending on the type of firearm and the circumstances.

The penalties include imprisonment and fines upon conviction. Illegal possession of small arms carries the penalty of 6 years and 1 day to 12 years while illegal possession of light weapons is punishable by an imprisonment of 12 years and 1day to 20 years.

Officials explained that illegal possession of firearms arises when any individual, regardless of citizenship, is found in possession of a firearm or ammunition, even if inherited or found, without LTOFP, a Certificate of Registration and a Permit-to-Carry-Firearm-Outside-of Residence.

Gen. Marbil maintained that firearms with expired licenses are already considered illegal that could court the owner or possessor trouble with the law once apprehended.

He also asserted that the Revitalized Katok is a lawful and proactive initiative aimed at ensuring responsible firearm ownership and preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms—contrary to claims of political intimidation during the election season.

Under the law, firearm owners must renew their LTOFP and firearm registration every 10 or 5 years, depending on their chosen option.

Failure to comply can result in the revocation of their privilege to own firearms and possible confiscation, as the PNP is the principal regulatory body overseeing firearm ownership.

According to the PNP chief, it is also one of the best practices of the PNP in accounting and reminding firearm holders about their obligations under the law.

“The goal is simple—to keep communities safe and prevent loose firearms from being used in crimes.

This program has effectively reduced unregistered firearms in circulation, thereby lowering the potential for gun-related violence,” he said.

He further explained that the election gun ban serves to prevent firearms from being used in election-related violence, and Revitalized Katok supports this by ensuring that all firearms in circulation are accounted for and 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,” Gen. Marbil said.

The PNP chief said they will be meeting with officials of the Commission on Elections to clarify the matter as Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia declared that the PNP drive can be used to intimidate candidates and voters ahead of the May 12 National and Local Elections.

PNP Civil Security Group director, Major Gen. Leo M. Francisco, previously told the Journal Group that their effort to check if licensed gun-holders in the country are fully complying with the provisions of RA 10591 is separate from the ongoing PNP Oplan: Katok.

The PNP-CSG’s effort to check the guns initially of Type 5 Licensees seeks to ensure that the firearms of the individuals are still intact and are not missing, stolen or have been transferred to other persons illegally.

The inspection shall be limited to visual, announced seven days prior, and conducted during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) in the presence of the licensed citizen or his authorized representative and must be limited to the compliance on vault requirement.

The move was aimed to ensure that all Type 5 licensees, after being notified in advance, are still in actual possession of the guns listed in their permits.

The move will also determine if the Type 5 licensees have transferred to other residences but failed to notify the PNP-CSG.

Failure of gun-holders to notify their change of address carries corresponding administrative actions and such will reflect on their next registration.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon