Comelec chief says PNP ‘Oplan Katok’ weakens gun ban checkpoints

STREET WATCH FOR POLLS Policemen stationed at a Commission on Elections checkpoint on Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila monitor passing vehicles in this file photo in January 2025. At least 14 checkpoints will be set up around Manila to maintain public safety and order during the election period, which began on Jan. 12. INQUIRER file photo / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The checkpoints of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure implementation of gun ban for the 2025 polls is deemed powerless if the Philippine National Police (PNP) can conduct “Oplan Katok” (Operation Knock), according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia on Friday.

Garcia reiterated that the “Oplan Katok” can instill fear among the people and the program may be abused by incumbent officials, or poll aspirants, and political parties.

“We are strict with the implementation of the checkpoint, then we will not be strict when it comes to that kind of program, including Operation Knock. It seems that our checkpoints become powerless if they can still conduct the operation,” Garcia said partly in Filipino during the sidelines of the regular briefing for 2025 election updates.

READ: PNP’s ‘Oplan Katok’ unnecessary, has chilling effect – poll watchdog

“Oplan Katok” is a door-to-door operation conducted by the PNP to ask citizens with unregistered firearms to renew their licenses and encourage them to surrender their firearms for safekeeping.

Meanwhile, the gun ban period started last January 12 and will end on June 11, 2025. The imposition of a gun ban is aimed at ensuring peace and order, as the government believes it could lessen gun-related violence during the upcoming midterm polls.

Further, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on Thursday clarified that the door-to-door operation is part of a normal police duty and the crackdown is against unregistered firearms or with expired licenses. However, Garcia said that this should have been done after the election period.

“We understand the situation of the PNP, that it’s a normal operation or a normal program. But it is a normal program. We are not normal now. Meaning, this is an election period,” Garcia noted partly in Filipino.

READ: Comelec chief urges PNP to suspend ‘Oplan Katok’ for 2025 polls

“The problem is that they have been doing that for a long time already so they should have inspected those who do not have a license. So maybe they can do that after the election period,” Garcia added in Filipino.

Garcia earlier called on the PNP to suspend its operation. He maintained that the Comelec can discuss it with the PNP through a proper manner.