CHR urges PNP to ensure 'Oplan Revitalized Katok' respects human rights

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is calling on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that its 'Oplan Katok' initiative respects human rights and operates within legal safeguards, especially during the election period.

Under 'Oplan Revitalized Katok', police personnel visit homes to remind gun owners with expired licenses to renew them and encourage surrendering unlicensed firearms.

The CHR emphasized the importance of upholding public safety while ensuring transparency and adherence to constitutional rights during these operations, citing concerns about potential fear or intimidation among individuals without a court-issued warrant.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia expressed concerns that 'Oplan Katok' could be misused for voter intimidation, especially in the context of the 2025 elections.

PNP Chief Police Gen. Rommel Marbil assured there is no political bias or voter intimidation involved and stressed that the initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 10591.

The PNP and COMELEC are planning to hold discussions to address concerns about 'Oplan Katok' during the election period, which began last month with a gun ban in place.