THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to issue new guidelines for its revitalized “Oplan Katok” or campaign against loose firearms.
According to the PNP, the guidelines are meant to ensure that civilians will not be abused in accordance with the wishes of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) especially during this election season.
In a press conference in Camp Crame, Police Regional Office 3 director and concurrent PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said this was the result of the PNP’s meeting with the Gun and Security Concerns Committee.
“We expect that our Directorate for Operations will issue additional guidelines to make sure that what is the intent of the letter of these guidelines is really followed by our police,” Fajardo said.
According to Fajardo, these guidelines from the Directorate for Operations will be submitted to the poll body after thorough discussions.
“And it cannot be used for harassment and intimidation like the apprehensions we are hearing," she added.
Fajardo also pointed out that the PNP has enough safeguards for the implementation of Oplan Katok.
“Being one of the deputized agencies, the PNP will follow the
regulations and authority of the Comelec over the PNP," she said.
“Again, we always say that we just have to find a common ground to meet the requirements of the Comelec with respect to the assurance given by the PNP that this revitalized Katok will not be abused,” she added.