SENATOR Christopher “Bong Go” has expressed his gratitude to the Philippine National Police for continuing to honor their duty to protect Filipinos amid the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic during his virtual attendance in the 120th Police Service Anniversary on Friday.

In his speech, Go said that for more than a century, the PNP has become the dependable guardians of peace and order, and security in the Philippines.

“Through its mandate, the organization has enforced our laws and safeguarded our communities so that we could continue working towards progress as one nation,” he said.

Even in this time of pandemic, Go acknowledged how the country’s police, together with other uniformed personnel, continue to risk their lives to protect Filipinos from the dangers posed by lawless elements.

“Salamat sa mga pulis sa inyong sakripisyo sa panahon ngayon. Bago ko po makalimutan, sa lahat po ng mga pulis, mga militar, lahat – bumbero, BJMP. Salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo sa panahon ngayon dahil kayo po ang maituturing na mga frontliners sa panahon ngayon,” said Go.

“So, salamat po sa inyong serbisyo. Hindi po natutumbasan ng kahit anuman po ang inyong serbisyo sa panahon ngayon. At mahihirapan po si Pangulong Duterte sa kampanya laban sa kriminalidad at sa iligal na droga kung hindi po sa tulong ng mga pulis. Saludo po kami sa inyo,” he added.

Just like the country’s police, Go said that he and President Rodrigo Duterte are committed to exemplifying courage and compassion for their countrymen and women, especially during these difficult times.

“Speaking about Tapang at Malasakit, ako po’y natutuwa. ‘Yan po ang ipinangako ng gobyerno ni Pangulong Duterte at nakita ko kanina sa inyong video presentation na iyan rin po ang inyong sinusunod na paniniwala,” said Go.

“Hindi lang po tapang ang kailangan dito. Kailangan rin po ‘yung pagmamalasakit sa ating kapwa Pilipino lalung-lalo na po sa panahon ngayon. At iyong inyong social responsibility – ako’y natutuwa po ‘no,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go also acknowledged the progress that PNP has made in fighting crime, illegal drugs and terrorism in the country, saying that he and the President himself are delighted with their successes.

“Nakita niyo naman po kanina ‘yung accomplishments ng NCRPO, ‘yung pag-aresto, ‘yung kampanya laban sa droga, sa mga kriminal, ay tuloy-tuloy po lalong-lalo na po sa mga iligal na gawain, talagang tuluy-tuloy,” he said.

He said that the Philippines is now safer due to the efforts of the police, saying, “Maglakad po kayo sa gabi, tanungin niyo po ang inyong mga pamilya, ‘yung mga OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) natin, kaya ganoon na lang po sila ka-kampante.”

“Hindi po ‘yan mangyayari kung hindi po sa tulong ng mga pulis. Kayo po ang dahilan kaya naging successful po ang kampanya laban sa kriminalidad at nag-improve na po ang ating peace and order. ‘Yun naman po ang importante, peace of mind ng mga magulang… nakakauwi ‘yung mga anak nila, kaya salamat po sa mga pulis,” he added.

Meanwhile, being the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Go shared that he filed Senate Bill 393 which provides free legal assistance to military and uniformed policemen for cases related to the fulfillment of their duties.

“Alam niyo, masakit sa loob namin ni Pangulong Duterte na nakikita ‘yung pulis na nakatiwangwang diyan, nauunahan po ng mga drug addict. Alam naman natin na itong mga drug addict, sabog po ito na hindi natin maintindihan na bigla na lang bubunot, i-secure niyo na po ang sarili ninyo, suportado po namin kayo ni Pangulong Duterte ‘pag nagkakaso po kayo,” said Go.

“Basta in-line of duty ‘pag nasa danger po ang buhay ninyo. Ilang beses na kaming pumunta ni Pangulong Duterte sa mga burol ng pulis noh. Sumasakit ang dibdib namin ‘pag kayo po ‘yung na… ‘yung ano ito sa tagalog…’yung nabu-byuda ‘yung asawa ninyo dahil naunahan ng mga drug addict. Hindi po kami papayag ng ganoon, i-secure niyo po ang sarili ninyo basta nasa tama lang po kayo suportado namin kayo,” he added.

If enacted, any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and PNP who is facing before the prosecutor’s office, court or any competent body, any charge arising from an incident related to the performance of official duty shall be entitled to free legal assistance.

Go said that he will continue to push for measures, programs and projects that will promote the welfare of the country’s police personnel. He also urged them to seek help from Malasakit Centers all over the country should they need medical assistance, including the one to be established at the PNP Hospital in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

He also noted that the President has fulfilled as early as 2018 his campaign promise to increase the salaries of police personnel and military.

“Kaya isa sa mga inuna ni Pangulong Duterte ‘yung pangako niya noong kampanya, in fact ako po ‘yung inutusan niyang kausapin ‘yung mga senador at mga kongresista noon na maisakatuparan po ‘yun noong 2018, ‘yung pagdodoble po ng sahod ng mga pulis dahil kulang talaga ‘yung sahod ng pulis noong panahong ito,” said Go.

Go then congratulated all unit awardees during the event for their excellent performance in discharging their duties and responsibilities as he expressed his full support for them.

“As you look back on the past 120 years, may you continue to pursue reforms and initiatives that will help create positive impact not only on the police force but the entire country as well,” said Go.

“I trust that this anniversary will also inspire you to further embodied professionalism, excellence and integrity, so we can defeat all those that threaten our peace and freedom,” he added.

He then urged the police to continue enforcing and upholding the law to create a safer nation for the present and future generations.

During the event, Go also thanked numerous officials of the PNP including National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director PMGen. Vicente Danao Jr., Deputy Regional Director for Administration; PBGen. Benjamin Pacoroa; Deputy Regional Director for Operations PBGen. Jon Arnaldo; Commander of the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region PBGen. Marceliano Teofilo; Acting Chief Regional Staff PCol. Nicolas Torre III; among others. He also thanked Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivares during the event.