PRO-7 intensifies “Oplan Katok”

CEBU, Philippines - In order to have peaceful and secure elections this year, the Police Regional  Office (PRO)-7 will be intensifying “Oplan Katok” against those who failed to renew the licenses of their firearms and those who possess loose firearms.

This after PNP Chief Alan Purisima directed all regional offices to intensify efforts with firearms being one of the most common weapons used in violence.

Before Sunday, those who have not renewed their firearm licenses as well as possess loose firearms will be facing a case for RA 8294 or illegal possession of firearms.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, PRO-7 director, said they really have to knock door-to-door and remind those who have unrenewed firearms licenses of their obligations and let those who have unlicensed firearms to surrender such.

“Puntahan talaga naming yan at katokin dahil kung hindi sila mag-comply, the regional office we will make necessary actions against these people. (We will really go and knock on their doors because if they won’t comply…)” Garbo said.

Records of the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agencies and Guard Supervisory reveal that there are 71, 763 total number of firearms registered in the region this month compared to 68, 983 in October last year.

The number of unrenewed firearms licenses this month is 20,964 compared to last October’s 21, 592.

The said work plan is part of the PNP’s monitoring of the private armed groups nationwide.

Central Visayas has 10 potential private armed groups which are now under continuous validation and monitoring.

Garbo disclosed that with the help of their intelligence operatives, they are also keeping track of most wanted persons related to elections.

Recently, Fernando “Boy Sanoy” Dorimon, 44, was arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Regional Intelligence Branch, Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office, and Baloi Municipal Police Station.

Dorimon was one of the suspects of the ambush-slay of seven people in La Libertad, Negros Oriental in 2007.

Part of the directive is to establish Regional Election Monitoring Action Centers, to intensify checkpoints, Oplan Sita, and Oplan Bakal. (FREEMAN)