PNP assures Comelec 'Oplan Katok' not intended to 'harass, intimidate anyone' | ABS-CBN
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PNP assures Comelec 'Oplan Katok' not intended to 'harass, intimidate anyone'
MANILA -- The Philippine National Police on Monday stressed that its "Oplan Katok" is not intended "to harass or intimidate anyone."
MANILA -- The Philippine National Police on Monday stressed that its "Oplan Katok" is not intended "to harass or intimidate anyone."
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo made the statement after the Commission on Elections said it is not in favor of the conduct of the Oplan Katok during the election season.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo made the statement after the Commission on Elections said it is not in favor of the conduct of the Oplan Katok during the election season.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia explained that the move could lead to abuse and violation of rights.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia explained that the move could lead to abuse and violation of rights.
"Pagka ikaw ay pinagkakakatok ka lang na ganyan at may bant ana masearch ka na wala man lang search warrant o ikaw ay maarrest na wala man lang warrant of arrest, hindi po ba paglabag yun mismo sa Saligang Batas? Sa akin po, hindi po dapat gawing kadahilanan ang ating halalan o paghahanda sa halalan upang maviolate ang mga karapatan ng ating mga mamamayan," Garcia said in an ambush interview in San Juan City on Friday.
"Pagka ikaw ay pinagkakakatok ka lang na ganyan at may bant ana masearch ka na wala man lang search warrant o ikaw ay maarrest na wala man lang warrant of arrest, hindi po ba paglabag yun mismo sa Saligang Batas? Sa akin po, hindi po dapat gawing kadahilanan ang ating halalan o paghahanda sa halalan upang maviolate ang mga karapatan ng ating mga mamamayan," Garcia said in an ambush interview in San Juan City on Friday.
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But Fajardo explained that the Oplan Katok is intended only for gun owners with expired licenses.
But Fajardo explained that the Oplan Katok is intended only for gun owners with expired licenses.
Under this initiative, police personnel conduct house visitation to advise gun owners with expired licenses to apply for renewal and encourage them to surrender their unlicensed firearms for safekeeping purposes.
Under this initiative, police personnel conduct house visitation to advise gun owners with expired licenses to apply for renewal and encourage them to surrender their unlicensed firearms for safekeeping purposes.
"Ang Oplan Katok ay regular function ito as part of regulatory power ng PNP, particularly kung meron tayong mga gun-expired licenses," Fajardo told reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
"Ang Oplan Katok ay regular function ito as part of regulatory power ng PNP, particularly kung meron tayong mga gun-expired licenses," Fajardo told reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
"We want to ensure the Comelec na hindi ito sinimulan dahil sa election. Even prior to the start of the election period, ginagawa na natin ito," she added.
"We want to ensure the Comelec na hindi ito sinimulan dahil sa election. Even prior to the start of the election period, ginagawa na natin ito," she added.
Fajardo clarified that the PNP does not need to request permission from the Comelec to conduct the Oplan Katok, but added that they will discuss the nature of the initiative with the poll body.
Fajardo clarified that the PNP does not need to request permission from the Comelec to conduct the Oplan Katok, but added that they will discuss the nature of the initiative with the poll body.
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"Tuluy-tuloy itong ating gagawing Oplan Katok but we will be coordinating and sitting down and discussing with the Comelec to inform them of the nature ng ginagawa nating Oplan Katok," Fajardo said. "We want to assure the Comelec that this is not intended to harass or coerce or intimidate anyone."
"Tuluy-tuloy itong ating gagawing Oplan Katok but we will be coordinating and sitting down and discussing with the Comelec to inform them of the nature ng ginagawa nating Oplan Katok," Fajardo said. "We want to assure the Comelec that this is not intended to harass or coerce or intimidate anyone."
From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the PNP has sent 621,395 notices to gun owners with expired licenses.
From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the PNP has sent 621,395 notices to gun owners with expired licenses.
Of the number, 16,473 have renewed their licenses, according to Fajardo.
Of the number, 16,473 have renewed their licenses, according to Fajardo.
A total of 10,676 firearms have been turned in to the police for safekeeping, she added.
A total of 10,676 firearms have been turned in to the police for safekeeping, she added.
As of January 6, 346,860 gun registrations have been revoked due to gun owners' failure to renew their licenses, Fajardo further said.
As of January 6, 346,860 gun registrations have been revoked due to gun owners' failure to renew their licenses, Fajardo further said.
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