"Comelec and PNP Meet to Discuss 'Oplan Katok' Amid Election Period

Title Comelec and PNP Meet to Discuss 'Oplan Katok' Amid Election Period

As the Philippines prepares for the upcoming elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced a meeting with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to discuss the implementation of Oplan Katok, a door-to-door campaign targeting firearms with expired licenses. The program aims to ensure public safety and compliance with Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

According to Chairman George Erwin Garcia, he has been invited to the PNP's 100-day operation plan launching and will take the opportunity to meet with PNP chief MGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil to discuss their differences over the program's implementation. Garcia emphasized that while Oplan Katok is a valuable initiative, it should be suspended during the election period to avoid any doubts or concerns among voters about its true intentions.

Garcia pointed out that existing measures are in place to curb election-related violence, such as the nationwide gun ban, which began on January 12 and will continue until June 11. He stressed that the Comelec has almost unlimited power during the election period, making it crucial for deputized agencies like the PNP to act based on this mandate.

The Chairman also highlighted the importance of maintaining a good relationship between the Comelec and the PNP, stating, we just need to sit down and talk. He assured that any differences will be threshed out through open communication and collaboration.

According to PNP spokesman BGen. Jean Fajardo, Oplan Katok is not intended to intimidate or harass anyone. Rather, it aims to ensure compliance with the law and prevent any potential threats to public safety.

In conclusion, the meeting between the Comelec and the PNP serves as a crucial step in ensuring that all measures are taken to guarantee a clean, honest, and orderly election process. By suspending Oplan Katok's implementation during the election period, both agencies can work together to prevent any doubts or concerns among voters.

Key Takeaways

The Comelec and PNP will meet to discuss the implementation of Oplan Katok amid the election period.
Chairman Garcia emphasized that Oplan Katok should be suspended during the election period to avoid any doubts or concerns among voters.
Existing measures, such as the nationwide gun ban, are in place to curb election-related violence.
The Comelec and PNP have a good relationship and will maintain open communication to ensure a smooth collaboration.

Keywords Comelec, PNP, Oplan Katok, Election Period, Gun Ban, Public Safety.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.