Senator Bong Go, during his visit to the troops of Task Force Samal stationed in Barangay Peñaplata, Samal Island, Davao del Norte, 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).
Go was also invited to join their situational briefing.
In discussing the developmental projects he had supported in the region, the legislator emphasized the uniformed personnel’s role in community development.
“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo.”
“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo for keeping Samal peaceful, safe, malinis, at napakaganda masyado,” the lawmaker stressed.
The senator 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, Go 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.
Go 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.”
“Kung ano ang makakabuti sa ating uniformed personnel, iyon ang palagi kong ipaglalaban. Buhay ang sinasakripisyo ninyo para sa ikabubuti ng bansa,” Go stressed emphasizing his and former president Duterte’s desire to always promote 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.
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.
“Basta nasa tama at naaayon sa batas ang inyong ginagawa, suportado namin kayo.”
“Basta nasa tama at naaayon sa batas ang inyong ginagawa, suportado namin kayo,” he stressed.
Go 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.
“Hindi ako pumayag nuon dahil dinoble na ang sahod ninyo noong 2018 tapos ngayon biglang babawiin dahil ipapa-contribute kayo. Malaking bagay po ‘yon, katumbas po ‘yon ng isang sakong bigas. Mabigat po yun dahil pinagplanuhan na po ‘yun ng ating uniformed personnel. Kaya hindi po ako sang-ayon doon sa mandatory contribution para sa retired at active na sundalo natin,” Go explained, expressing his objections to proposals on the implementation of mandatory contributions by uniformed personnel to fund their pension.
“Huwag naman, hanapan nila ng paraan… Importante dito tigilan po ‘yung korapsyon sa gobyerno, siguradong marami pa kayong makokolektang taxes,” he asserted explaining that there are other sources of funds that can be tapped if corruption is stopped instead of passing the burden on uniformed personnel to fund their pensions.
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.
