Comelec disallows Oplan Katok due to rights violation fears

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disallowed "Oplan Katok" during the election season, citing potential rights violations and abuse.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized that the right to privacy could be violated if house visitations lead to searches without warrants or arrests without proper documentation.

Garcia stated that preparations for elections should not be a justification for violating citizens' constitutional rights.

Oplan Katok is a Philippine National Police (PNP) initiative involving house visits to urge gun owners with expired licenses to renew them and to surrender unlicensed firearms for safekeeping.

However, the PNP told the Comelec that "Oplan Katok" is a regular function and not intended to harass or intimidate anyone.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo maintained that the operation is a regular function of the police body and has been conducted even prior to the election season.

The PNP is willing to discuss "Oplan Katok" with the Comelec to address concerns.