IN OUR efforts to tighten security and ensure safety of the Kagay-anons, you may have already observed that we have placed a lot of established checkpoints like our checkpoints in Barangay Tablon, Barangay Indahag and Koresko, Barangay Lumbia this city which the Oro police call as Border Checkpoint or Strong Checkpoint. The Police office has also maintained random checkpoints to all police stations every two hours as well as comply numerous random checkpoints for some special units. This program is not only happening in the city but in all areas of Mindanao.
The purpose of checkpoints is to establish strong safety and security of the people against any bad elements that may disturb the peace and order of the city such as the entry of terrorists and their equipment, circulation of illegal drugs, bringing of illegal firearms, entry of criminals, exit of carnap vehicles and motorcycle, and other criminal activities that might happen in the city. The maintenance of safety and security can only be done by implementation of laws applicable to the violations committed by the suspected person.
The establishment of checkpoints is very useful nowadays especially against terrorism, insurgency and criminal groups or individuals that are posing threats to our city as well as in the entire country. The checkpoints in the city were even made stronger since the Martial Law was declared by the all throughout Mindanao on May 23, 2017 at the onset of the violent take over of the Maute Terrorist Group of Marawi City.
Checkpoints have a big role why Cagayan de Oro city has never being a victim of terroristic attack even when the Maute group planned to bomb the city to divert the military attention from the fleeing Maute fighters at Marawi. Some of the reasons had circulated that they will target the city to revenge the killed Maute fighters and the arrest of Maute relatives including the Maute Patriarch, Cayamora Maute who died after two months of detention.
The Kagay-anons including those who are just visiting and working in the city should accept the reality that they will constantly be facing the checkpoints everyday especially when they are travelling in and out of the city. The people must realize that checkpoints are there to protect them including their family, property, livelihood and their future. For these reasons, instead of complaining every time they will have to pass by any checkpoint, it would be best that they cooperate instead so it would be smoother for the checkpoint personnel to do their mandated tasks.
I would like to share some tips on how to behave at checkpoints:
1. During night time, upon approaching a checkpoint, the driver must turn off the headlights and turn on the cabin lights and roll down the window.
2. Prepare the pertinent documents such as driver license, OR and CR and other valid IDs ready for presentation if ask.
3. Answer courteously whatever questions that may be asked.
4. If the trunk and bag are asked to be open, you can do it by yourself to assure that no anomaly will transpire.
5. Prepare your cellphone or any recording device in case the action of checkpoint personnel goes wrong.In such case, report immediately to the nearest police station to record the incident.
6. Be patient to wait for your turn to prevent accidents.
The public must be aware that a legitimate checkpoint is usually in a in well lighted place or at least installed with good lights, has marked vehicle with appropriate signage, it is led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) with the minimum rank of Police Inspector and the Checkpoint personnel should be in proper uniform. In the Case that there is no PCO available, the Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) is authorized.
The checkpoint was allowed only to inspect visually but if in case that the personnel ask for a favor to inspect thoroughly the vehicle because of suspicion, it is much better to let them do it but don't allow them to touch anything. The motorist should be the one to open the trunk or bag depending on the request of the officer. This is a sign that your checkpoint personnel is working well in their job because the checkpoint will be useless if the checkpoint personnel will only use the visual search. No criminals will let their illegal items be easily seen by the authority.
The more the public will cooperate with the checkpoint personnel, the more the checkpoint will be stronger. The support and cooperation from the public will surely inspire our men in uniform to work harder despite the stress that comes with our job. It will surely boost and motivate us knowing that the people trust us in ensuring safety and security of Cagayan de Oro from criminality, terrorism and insurgency.