by Victoria Melissa C. Pulido, Wilson J. Hormeguera

Megaphone sirens, whistles, car horns, and clapping sounded a noise barrage calling for a safe Cagayan de Oro on February 28 in front of the SEP entrance gate.

The Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO), the social advocacy arm of Xavier University, led the activity which called for the city government, the city police officers, and all Kagay-anons to work for a peaceful Cagayan de Oro.

Recently, innocent civilians and members of the XU community have become victims of a series of holdup incidents, some of whom were not only robbed but also viciously killed. A number of violent attacks and murder cases associated with personal interest or conflicts have been recorded in the first quarter of 2013.  The XU community strongly condemns these senseless killings and meaningless attacks which undermine the dignity of human life and violate basic human right.

The noise barrage was a call for the City Government to take the necessary measures to guarantee public of safety and security, and to convene the City’s Peace and Order Council to respond immediately to the issue of public safety and security.

The activity also called on the different city police units to intensify their regular police operations, police visibility and intelligence committees to expedite the resolution of reported cases of criminalities and violence. Moreover, the noise barrage sought the attention of line agencies in ensuring the strict monitoring and consistent implementation of the election Gun Ban through police checkpoints and roving in barangays.

Lastly, the KKP volunteers called for public vigilance in the face of growing apprehension and fear. They urged the community to report any knowledge and sightings of violent attacks and criminalities in the City, and to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their properties.