The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it will continue its ‘Oplan Katok’ operations, assuring the public that it will be safe from harassment.

PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said the former ‘Oplan Katok’ will now be known as the ‘Revitalized Katok’ initiative, aimed at promoting responsible firearm ownership and preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country.

He also rejected claims that the operations could be influenced by political intimidation.

“Revitalized Katok is a year-round initiative to ensure firearm holders comply with the law. It is not, and will never be, used for political purposes,” Marbil said.

He added that the PNP is “simply implementing” Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which mandates the periodic renewal of firearm licenses.

Marbil described concerns, such as the misuse of Revitalized Katok during the election period, as “unfounded and speculative.”

“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.

“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 further noted.

Under the law, firearm owners must renew their License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registration every ten or five years, depending on their chosen option.

Marbil emphasized that failure to comply can result in the revocation of the privilege to own firearms and possible confiscation. 

“Revitalized Katok is a key component of the PNP’s firearm regulation efforts, wherein police officers deliver formal notices and conduct house visits to remind gun owners to renew their licenses or deposit their firearms,” he said, noting that the PNP is the principal regulatory body overseeing firearm ownership.

Marbil emphasized that failure to comply could result in the revocation of the privilege to own firearms and possible confiscation.

“Revitalized Katok is a key component of the PNP’s firearm regulation efforts, wherein police officers deliver formal notices and conduct house visits to remind gun owners to renew their licenses or deposit their firearms,” he said, noting that the PNP is the principal regulatory body overseeing firearm ownership.

Marbil stressed that the PNP’s operation ensures that legitimate firearms do not become unaccounted for or fall into the wrong hands.

“It is one of the best practices of the PNP in accounting for and reminding firearm holders about their obligations under the law,” 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 added.

Earlier, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia urged the PNP to implement Oplan Katok, raising concerns that it could be used to intimidate voters and candidates during the election period.

Marbil, in response, said the program is only part of the PNP’s regular functions.

“We are merely upholding the law. Those who claim otherwise rely on speculation, not evidence. Our priority is to ensure that firearms remain in the hands of responsible, law-abiding citizens and do not pose a threat to public safety, especially during the elections,” he said.