PNP justifies gun drive opposed by Comelec
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on Sunday said police operations involving house visits of registered gun owners with expired licenses are meant to remind them to renew their registration or to hand over their firearms, known as Oplan Revitalized Katok, and not a form of harassment.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier called for the suspension of the campaign until the elections are over as it could be used for political intimidation.
But according to Marbil, the Revitalized Katok is “a lawful and proactive initiative aimed at ensuring responsible firearm ownership and preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms.”
“There is no factual basis to claim that this program is meant to instill fear. We have been implementing Revitalized Katok for years—long before the election season,” he said in a statement.
“There is no agenda, no political bias and no intimidation involved. Our reminders are purely legal and procedural, targeting only those with expired firearm licenses. Nothing more, nothing less,” he added.
Comelec Chair George Garcia last week appealed to the PNP to call off the implementation of the campaign for the 2025 elections “to avoid sowing fear among voters or be used for political advantage” by some politicians or candidates.
But Marbil said the Oplan Katok is “a year-round initiative” to ensure firearm owners comply with the law.
“It is not, and will never be, used for political purposes. The PNP is simply implementing Republic Act No. 10591 ,or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which mandates the periodic renewal of firearm licenses,” he said.
“The goal is simple—to keep communities safe and prevent loose firearms from being used in crimes. This program has effectively reduced the number of unregistered firearms in circulation, thereby lowering the potential for gun-related violence,” he said.
