CHR tells PNP ‘Oplan Katok’ must not cause panic among citizens
STREET WATCH FOR POLLS Policemen stationed at a Commission on Elections checkpoint along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila monitor passing vehicles in this file photo in January 2025. (INQUIRER file photo / RICHARD A. REYES)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has told the Philippine National Police (PNP) to avoid instilling fear among the citizens as it conducts ‘Oplan Katok’ (Operation Knock).
CHR noted that the door-to-door operation to encourage renewal of expired firearms may cause intimidation, especially since the cops lack warrants of arrest and search warrants.
“We urge the PNP to ensure that all operations uphold the rights and dignity of individuals, without undue pressure or coercion,” the commission said in a statement.
Oplan Katok is a campaign by the PNP wherein law enforcers ask gun owners with expired licenses to renew these documents.
They also encourage gun owners to surrender their firearms to the PNP for safekeeping.
CHR cited Article III Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution.
This provision states, “the citizens have the right to be secure in their properties against unreasonable searches.”
It also mentions, “no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall be issued except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath.”
READ: Comelec chief says PNP ‘Oplan Katok’ weakens gun ban checkpoints
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia previously urged the PNP to suspend these movements to avoid sowing fear among voters.
He thinks the activity may create an impression that it is being done to favor certain politicians or poll aspirants.
While the Comelec chair understands that the operation is a normal duty of the PNP personnel, he emphasized that it should be just done after the election period.
