Bong Go files resolution seeking Senate inquiry into war on drugs of Duterte administration

Senator Bong Go has filed Senate Resolution No. 1217 on Thursday directing the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the Duterte administration's campaign against illegal drugs.

Go, Committee vice chair, said the campaign against illegal drugs "became the bedrock of the Duterte administration , which delivered a strong message that has resonated deeply with many Filipinos, fueled by their escalating frustration over the worsening drug crisis."

“Nakita naman ng mga kababayan natin ang naging mabuting dulot ng walang humpay na kampanya noon. Mas ligtas silang umuuwi sa kanilang mga pamilya na hindi nasasaktan o nababastos. Dapat lang na maipagpatuloy ang mga magagandang nagawa noon kung saan ang mga kriminal ang takot at tinutugis, at ang mga inosente ang nabubuhay nang tahimik,” Go said in a statement.

(Our countrymen saw the good results of the relentless campaign. They return home safely to their families without being hurt or abused. The good works of the past should only be continued where the criminals are feared and hunted, and the innocent live in peace.)

"However, several accusations have sparked concerns and raised serious allegations about potential human rights violations and abuse of power," said Go, adding that "it is imperative to uncover the truth and discern efforts that are meant to utterly discredit the campaign against illegal drugs."

“Our top objective is to examine the conduct of the said campaign in order for us to identify possible legislations to address the drug menace in a more holistic manner,” he also said.

Aside from legislation, Go aims to strengthen the mechanisms to prevent any violation of the law in the pursuit of criminals and strengthen further law enforcement agencies, more legal protection for the uniformed personnel, establishment of more drug rehabilitation centers nationwide, and institutionalization of the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils, among others.

He said it is important to review the previous administration's campaign against illegal drugs to study effective mechanisms used and the allegations in its implementation.

“Tulad din naman ng sinabi ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noon sa kapulisan: gampanan ang tungkuling proteksyunan ang buhay at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino sa paraang naaayon sa batas,” he said.

(Just as former President Rodrigo Duterte said to the police: perform the duty of protecting the life and welfare of every Filipino in a manner consistent with the law.)

The war on drugs brought significant benefits, Go said.

“Noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte, ang durugista po ang takot. At ayaw nating mangyari na ang durugista ang muling maghasik ng lagim,” he said.

"Kapag bumalik ang iligal na droga, babalik po ang kriminalidad. Ang taumbayan na po ang humusga kung nakinabang ba ang Pilipino sa ginawang strong stance against illegal drugs noong panahon ni dating pangulong Duterte," he added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News