Bong Go visits troops in Samal Island to provide support; shares importance of unity

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, while visiting the troops of Task Force Samal stationed in Barangay Peñaplata, Samal Island, Davao del Norte on November 11, emphasized the importance of unity, service, and dedication to the community. 

The event was attended by 144 enlisted personnel and Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA). He was also invited to join their situational briefing. 

In discussing the development projects he had supported in the region, Go emphasized the uniformed personnel’s role in community development. 

“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo for keeping Samal peaceful, safe, malinis, at napakaganda masyado,” he said.

(Don’t thank us. We should be the ones thanking you for keeping Samal peaceful, safe, clean, and very beautiful.)

Go commended the bravery and heroism of uniformed personnel in safeguarding the community. He assured the troops that they may approach him anytime if they need his assistance, emphasizing his commitment to champion their cause and be of service to them in recognition of their valiant efforts to safeguard the lives of Filipinos. 

During the visit, Go, accompanied by his team, engaged in a distribution activity, providing the stationed personnel with various forms of assistance. The distributed goods included pails filled with essential supplies, basketballs and volleyballs to encourage sports activities, watches, and snacks.

In his speech, Go recalled the transformation of Davao region as a safe and secure community now thanks to the collective efforts of its leaders, the military, law enforcers and its people. 

He vividly described the aftermath of the Sasa Wharf bombing and the attack at the Davao airport in 2003, bringing to light the direct impact of these events on the community. This harrowing experience, he explained, was a catalyst for the establishment of Task Force Davao under then-mayor and former president Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership.

He also touched upon a significant incident in 2015, the kidnapping at the Holiday Oceanview Samal Resort, underscoring ongoing security challenges and the need for continued vigilance and improvement in anti-terrorism strategies.

He shared experiences of visiting conflict zones, including Marawi City and Jolo, more than ten times, often under dangerous conditions, to provide support for the troops. He then asserted, “kung hindi natapos ang giyera sa Marawi (City), hindi natin mararating ang peace na meron tayo ngayon.”

He reiterated his commitment to supporting the military and police, who are at the forefront of these efforts: “Naaalala n’yo noong 2018, inuna namin ni (dating) presidente Duterte na i-doble ang sahod ng pulis, military at uniformed personnel.”

I will always advocate for what is beneficial to our uniformed personnel. You sacrifice your lives for the betterment of the country,” he stressed earlier, emphasizing his and former President Duterte’s commitment to promoting the welfare of the military.

“Salamat sa inyong sakripisyo at inyong serbisyo. At aking iko-congratulate kayo sa pagpapatuloy ng dialogue with stakeholders… partner ang Executive at Legislative diyan at kasali na rin ang iba’t ibang tribu. Masaya ako na nakikipag-dialogue tayo… sa mga Muslim at Kristiyano magtulungan lang tayo. Sino lang ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayo rin mga kapwa Pilipino,“ he added. 

(Thank you for your sacrifice and service. I congratulate you on continuing the dialogue with stakeholders. The Executive and Legislative branches, along with various tribes, are partners in this. I am happy that we are engaging in dialogue with both Muslims and Christians. Let’s work together. Who else will help each other but us, fellow Filipinos?”)

In the Senate, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 422, with the goal of offering free legal aid to members of the armed forces and law enforcement officers who confront charges while fulfilling their official duties and responsibilities. He expressed, “basta nasa tama at naaayon sa batas ang inyong ginagawa, suportado namin kayo.” 

The senator also expressed that he is firmly against any proposed pension reform that may negatively impact the entitlements of both active and retired members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other uniformed personnel. He underscored the importance of recognizing the years they have dedicated to serving and safeguarding the nation.

In his message, Go also took the opportunity to acknowledge several key figures in the local administration and military. These included Lieutenant Colonel Harold Ho, the Task Force Samal Commander, Samal Councilor Sonny Lanorias, Barangay Peñaplata Kagawad Nora Lanorias and other local officials. 

READ: Bong Go sponsors bill for regional specialty centers, better healthcare access

Meanwhile, as chairman of the Committee on Health, Go highlighted his priorities, including the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers, the establishment of more Super Health Centers, and the recently enacted Regional Specialty Centers Act which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. 

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. As of now, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than seven million Filipinos.

He also reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector especially in grassroots communities.

Meanwhile, Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation’s health infrastructure.

On the same day, Go also carried out an inspection of a multipurpose building project, which he had supported in his capacity as the Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. Additionally, he attended the opening ceremony of the Samalenyo Cup which he advocated for as Senate Sports Committee Chair, and witnessed the turnover of boat motors to boost the livelihood of local fisherfolk.