There is no need to worry as long as one does not have the intention to harm
by Noy Adaram
Police Major Byron-John Orquillas Ratunil, Commander of Cagayan de Oro City Police Station 01 Divisoria, clarified that checkpoints to keep an eye against election-related violence had to be done until this month as mandated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
In an interview with Mindanao Daily News upon request of the author, PMaj. Ratunil supplied that COMELEC checkpoints are particularly ensuring that the public adheres to the gun ban.
The gun ban took effect from January 12, 2025 until June 11, 2025.
Liquor ban however was only enforced from the eve until after election day.
PMaj. Ratunil shared that strategically set COMELEC checkpoints were instrumental to reminding firearm owners to renew their license. He also expounded how these are contributing to police visibility to guarantee crime prevention which successfully reduced its volume.
The measure is crucial especially in places marked by the COMELEC as a hotspot.
If not on unnecessary gun carrying, law enforcers also encounter a lot of motorists without vehicle registration and driving without license.
According to the Philippine National Police, the number of arrested individuals for violating the gun ban almost reached 4,000.
PROTECTING THE HEART OF THE CITY
By instilling “ONE POLICE STATION, POLICE STATION 01”, PMaj. Ratunil encouraged his subordinates not just to be the best version of themselves to effectively serve the public but also uphold teamwork. He imparted the essence of such discipline in the maintenance of peace of order.
The area of responsibility of PMaj. Ratunil encompasses Barangay 01 to 20 which are located at the heart of Cagayan de Oro and where most of the city’s public transport routes are traversing. He previously led PS9 Nazareth which only oversees two barangays. When he was transferred to his current post, he did not have a hard time adjusting since PS1 personnel had a good rapport who are also well-informed on their internal rules and procedure.
PMaj. Ratunil assured the publuc that there is no need to worry as long as one does not have the intention to harm others or do anything that is against the law and that they are not only limited to crime response but also in calamities wherein they would be in their search and rescue (S&R) uniforms. He added that if he and his colleagues are needed, upon validation of the call, they will be present in three to five minutes.
