MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is in ongoing discussions with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to establish clear guidelines for the “Oplan Katok” (Operation Knock) ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

The goal is to ensure the initiative is executed without causing harassment or intimidation, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said during a media briefing on Wednesday (05 Feb 2025).

“Laudiangco emphasized that both agencies are working to find common ground, ensuring that PNP mandates are followed while safeguarding against potential abuses that could negatively impact the public’s trust in the election process.

“We want to ensure proper safeguards are in place to avoid misuse and prevent any chilling effect on citizens,” he added.

PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil defended “Oplan Katok” as part of regular operations, stressing that its intent was to ensure responsible firearm ownership and prevent illegal firearms from circulating, not to engage in political intimidation.

100-Day Countdown for Elections

The PNP also launched a 100-day countdown to increase awareness of the threats posed by “3Gs” (guns, goons, and gold) and fake news, which Marbil emphasized could influence the upcoming elections.

“While preparations have been ongoing since the filing of Certificates of Candidacy, the 100-day countdown focuses on combating these risks and creating awareness,” Marbil stated. He further directed the PNP to enhance operations against loose firearms and increase patrols in election hotspots to maintain peace and order.

“Our goal is to make the 2025 elections the safest possible,” Marbil said. “It’s a shared responsibility to ensure a fair election.”

Local Absentee Voting Reminders

Meanwhile, Laudiangco reminded qualified voters to apply for local absentee voting (LAV) by March 7. LAV is available to PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, Comelec staff, and media members, allowing them to vote in advance on April 28-30.

For uniformed services, applications should be submitted by March 10. The LAV system enables eligible individuals to vote ahead of Election Day to accommodate their official duties.

ia/mnm