SAN FERNANDO CITY (PIA) –The Police Regional Office 1 said gun owners have nothing to worry and fear when being visited by police officers through the Oplan Katok.

The Oplan Katok is one of the strategies of the authorities in the intensified campaign against loose firearms.

PCapt Daniel Cudiamat of PRO-1 said that Oplan Katok aims to remind gun owners that the licenses of their firearms will soon expire and they have to renew it.

“Bukod sa paalala, aabisuhan din sila kung saan ang pinakamalapit na pwedeng puntahan for the renewal of their firearms,” Cudiamat stated.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) Caravans which is a one-stop shop where they could process the renewal of guns’ licenses.

Cudiamat shared that so far, gun owners in the region are cooperative in the said campaign.

“Nakakatuwa na sila na mismo ang lumalapit sa ating mga istasyon para ipatago muna ang kanilang mga baril,” Cudiamat said.

Gun owners may deposit their firearms in the nearest police stations for temporary safe-keeping until they will be able to renew their licenses.

“Ginagawa natin ito para maiwasan natin yung pagdami ng hindi lisensyadong baril na maaring magamit ng mga unscrupulous individuals," he said.

As of Dec. 31 last year, PRO-1 noted a total of 1,726 deposited firearms through Oplan Katok. (JCR/MJTAB/CGC PIA Region I)