Nagbibigay ng impormasyon at balita sa Ilocos Region.
02/02/2025
CPNP MARBIL: ‘REVITALIZED KATOK’ SAFEGUARDS COMMUNITIES BY ENFORCING RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP, NOT POLITICAL INTIMIDATION
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, reassured the public that Revitalized Katok is a lawful and proactive initiative aimed at ensuring responsible firearm ownership and preventing the proliferation of illegal fi****ms—contrary to claims of political intimidation during the election season.
"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. The PNP is simply implementing Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Fi****ms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which mandates the periodic renewal of firearm licenses," PGen. Marbil emphasized.
Under the law, firearm owners must renew their License to Own and Possess Fi****ms (LTOPF) and firearm registration every ten or five years, depending on their chosen option. Failure to comply can result in the revocation of their privilege to own fi****ms and possible confiscation, as the PNP is the principal regulatory body overseeing firearm ownership.
PGen. Marbil highlighted that 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 fi****ms. This ensures that legitimate fi****ms do not become unaccounted for or fall into the wrong hands. It is one of the best practices of the PNP in accounting and reminding firearm holders about their obligations under the law.
"The goal is simple—to keep communities safe and prevent loose fi****ms from being used in crimes. This program has effectively reduced the number of unregistered fi****ms in circulation, thereby lowering the potential for gun-related violence," he added.
In response to concerns that Revitalized Katok could be misused during the election period, PGen. Marbil dismissed such claims 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. 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 clarified.
He further explained that the election gun ban serves to prevent fi****ms from being used in election-related violence, and Revitalized Katok supports this by ensuring that all fi****ms in circulation are accounted for and legally held.
"In the long run, Revitalized Katok strengthens our efforts to keep elections safe, as it prevents unrenewed fi****ms from being used for illegal activities," Gen. Marbil said.
Reaffirming the PNP’s political neutrality, he underscored the organization’s commitment to public safety through strict enforcement of firearm regulations.
"We are merely upholding the law. Those who claim otherwise rely on speculation, not evidence. Our priority is to ensure that fi****ms remain in the hands of responsible, law-abiding citizens and do not pose a threat to public safety, especially during the elections," he concluded.
