Representing Xavier University, student volunteers, faculty and staff of the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) joined the People’s March against Crime and Violence on March 17.  The protest, which was organized by the families of the victims and was also attended by other civil society groups, the police, and the army, advocated justice for the victims by calling on the authorities to search and arrest criminals and strengthen their efforts to guarantee public safety and security.

The petition of indignation against the rising criminality in Cagayan de Oro was read, strongly condemning “the senseless and unabated killings, the violent and brutal attacks against the law-abiding citizens.”  Appalled and aghast over the “inaction and simplistic dismissal of the rise of crimes,” it called on those who have been placed in positions of authority to protect the public, and that a “swift decisive action be done to identify and collar the perpetrators, and bring them to justice for their acts of unspeakable violence and human brutality.”

Speaking on behalf of the city police, Police Senior Inspector Lemuel Gonda, assured the public that the city’s police is doing its best, but said that they won't be able to solve these problems by themselves. He appealed to the community to help by reporting suspected criminals and protecting themselves at all times.

Joshua Jariolne, KKP student volunteer, said he joined the march “to let people know that we can do something other than being afraid.  At KKP we are taught of active non-violence as a principle.  This march is an example.”

For almost 3 weeks now, KKP has been leading the noise barrage outside the SEP gate calling on not only the authorities to intensify its tasks but also the public to be watchful of their own safety and security by taking precautionary measures.

KKP-SIO is the social involvement arm of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.