CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — A local police station is working to build stronger relationships with residents to enhance crime prevention. Through initiatives such as pulong-pulong, school visits, patrolling, and social media, the station aims to foster trust and encourage the community to report crimes without hesitation.
Police Master Sergeant Sheila Ochigue of Cagayan de Oro City Police Station 5 – Macabalan said their most effective strategy is direct interaction with the communities they serve.
The police station covers Barangays 21, 23, 25, Consolacion, Puntod, and Macabalan.
With the support of the Police Community Relations Division, they conduct ‘Pulong-pulong sa Barangay’ to raise awareness on issues such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act, and other community concerns, with a focus on prevention and response.
During these engagements, residents are encouraged to report crimes through the police hotline. “Giignan nako ang mga residente during community engagement na dili sila maulaw, dili mag-hesitate to report to their police,” Ochigue said.
(During the community engagement, I told the residents that they should not be ashamed or hesitate to report to their police.)
Ochigue said residents are actively involved and responsive, noting that they often use the station’s Facebook Page to report incidents. “We can feel their trust in us as their police,” she added.
The station also visits schools to engage with students. “Pangutan-on namo ang mga istudyante kumusta sila (we ask students how they are),” Ochigue said, aiming to ensure children are comfortable with the police. They also meet with school administration, teachers, and security personnel.
Ochigue further highlighted the station’s coordination with Barangay Macabalan, especially during rescue operations with the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT). They also offer the “Libreng Sakay” service to assist passengers, especially at night, ensuring they get home safely.
Because of its proximity to the pier, the station helps passengers seeking tickets. “Since duol mi sa pier, naay mangayo ug tabang kay dili makakuha ug ticket (kay walay ID). E-assess namo sila, and then issue-han ug police clearance,” she explained.
(Since we are near the pier, some people ask for help because they are unable to get a ticket due to not having an ID. We assess them and then issue a police clearance.)
Police Station 5, led by Police Maj. Rutherford Talento Ondin, was recognized at the Oro Kasanag Awards 2025 for its efforts, receiving the Best Child-Friendly Space, Best Information and Advocacy, and 2-Stars Performance Awards. The Oro Kasanag Awards recognize police stations based on social audits, focusing on promoting child rights and safety.
Even after receiving awards, Ochigue emphasized that their efforts to improve operations continue. With each officer responsible for a ratio of 1 to 1,010 people, she sees this as a larger responsibility. (IJBD/PIA-10)
