CHR urges PNP to ensure due process, rights in 'Oplan Katok' on gun owners

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is urging the Philippine National Police to make sure its "Oplan Katok" initiative will not violate any human rights.

"Oplan Revitalized Katok" involves police personnel making house visits to remind gun owners with expired licenses to apply for renewal and encourage them to surrender unlicensed firearms for safekeeping.

"Encouraging firearm owners to renew their licenses or surrender unlicensed firearms is an important measure in upholding public safety," the CHR said as it acknowledged the intent behind the operations.

PNP: No politics, voter intimidation in 'Oplan Katok' vs loose firearms

"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 commission added.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia earlier said the PNP should stop the implementation during the period of the 2025 national and local elections.

Garcia cited concerns that the initiative may be used to intimidate voters.

"CHR equally recognizes the concerns raised, particularly by the Commission on Election (COMELEC), over its implementation amidst the upcoming 2025 elections, where any law enforcement activity must be conducted with the utmost regard for due process to prevent any potential abuses," the CHR said.

Police Gen. Rommel Marbil, PNP chief, said in a statement on Sunday there is no agenda, no political bias and no intimidation involved in the police initiative, adding that it will help enforce the election gun ban.

PNP to discuss implementation of ‘Oplan Katok’ with Comelec

Marbil also said the operations are in line with Republic Act No. 10591 or the. Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. 

The PNP and Comelec said they are willing to hold a dialogue on the home visits.

The election period for the 2025 polls began last month with the implementation of a gun ban and setting up of Comelec checkpoints nationwide.

300 licensed gun owners inspected as of December 5: PNP