
PNP, Comelec to discuss safe conduct of Oplan Katok
THE Commission on Elections want to discuss with the Philippine National Police guidelines for the safe conduct of the PNP’s Oplan Katok during the polling period to prevent others from using it to intimidate others, the poll body’s spokesperson told newsmen at Camp Crame Wednesday.
According to Comelec spokesperson Attorney John Rex Laudiangco, all that Comelec chairperson George Erwn Garcia wants is for the PNP to add safeguards to its door-to-door campaign against expired firearms.
“Sinasabi naman po ni Chairman Garcia na nauunawaan namin yung intensyon ng PNP. Kaya nga lang po, ang pahayag po niya kailangan siguro madagdagan yung safeguards para masigurado na hindi maaabuso yung ganitong pamamaraan,” the official said.
“So ngayon po, tuloy-tuloy ang pag-uusap ng PNP at Comelec para magkaroon ng common ground, common stand. Maipatupad yung mandato ng PNP. At the same time, magawa po ito nang makakatulong sa halalan,” he added.
He issued the statement as Garcia urged the suspension of the PNP: Oplan Katok during the May 25 National and Local Elections saying it may have a chilling effect on voters and may be abused by some politicians.
However, PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has assured the public that the ongoing implementation of their Revitalized Oplan: Katok is a normal operation aimed at accounting for delinquent firearm holders has long been ongoing and not meant to harass anybody particularly during the election period.
The PNP chief also reaffirmed the PNP’s political neutrality as he underscored the organization’s commitment to public safety through strict enforcement of firearm regulations.
Gen. Marbil explained that “this (Oplan Katok) is a normal PNP duty. The purpose is to account for all the firearms because the cause of violence is firearms.” He explained that the purpose of the program is really to remind gun-holders with expired License to Own and Possess Firearms and Certificate of Registration of their duty and responsibility to renew their permits.
Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 penalizes the possession of unregistered firearms in the country depending on the type of firearm and the circumstances.
The penalties can 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.