PNP to intensify target-driven operations

February 16, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  To address the expected spate of violence during the election period, the Philippine National Police has intensified its target-driven operations against armed groups, criminal gangs and loose firearms.

The PNP is among the deputized agencies of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure the safety and security of the upcoming elections.

Maj. Gen. Nicolas Salvador, PNP director for operations, said the target-driven operations by police regional offices and national support units are meant to prevent shooting incidents and other violent incidents from occurring during the election period.

“That is why the assignment of checkpoints is sustained,” Salvador said over radio dzBB.

Citing their latest data, Salvador said 872 people have been arrested and 863 firearms were seized during the implementation of the gun ban.

Since Jan. 12, the PNP has documented 290 shooting incidents, a majority of which occurred in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the official said.

Salvador clarified that investigations are ongoing to determine if the shootings are connected with the elections, noting that there is only one validated election-related incident on record, which occurred in Western Visayas.

The PNP is also revisiting its procedures under Oplan Katok, where officers will visit the residences of gun owners with expired licenses.

After the Comelec appealed to temporarily stop the program’s implementation during the election period, Salvador said the firearms holders will now be notified only through text messaging.