Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, responding immediately after Councilor Joshua Bebis reached out for assistance, has extended help and expressed his profound condolences to the grieving families of the two victims who were reportedly killed in a violent incident at an internet café in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte.
The senator, widely known as “Mr. Malasakit” for his direct, action-oriented public service, wasted no time in directing his Malasakit Team to coordinate with Councilor Bebis, reach out to the bereaved families, and provide urgent support, exemplifying his commitment to ensuring that no Filipino faces tragedy alone.
According to the police report, the incident occurred around 2:00 AM on July 14 and reportedly resulted in the deaths of Alexander Simbajon-Clarin and Niño Laureño Ramayla, both residents of FRD 1 Tibal-og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte.
The victims, a minor and a young adult who was also a person with disability (PWD), were allegedly killed by a suspect who was reportedly under the influence of illegal drugs at the time of the crime, the police report indicated.
In response to this tragedy, Go’s Malasakit Team traveled to the victims’ address in FRD 1 Tibal-og, in close coordination with Councilor Bebis, to meet with the families and offer direct support. The assistance extended included cash aid and other forms of immediate help intended to provide relief as the families navigate the difficult days of mourning.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.
The alleged drug-related crime serves as a painful reminder of the persistent dangers posed by illegal drugs in communities across the country.
As part of his holistic approach to addressing the drug problem, Go has filed Senate Bill Nos. 665 and 683 — complementary measures that seek to institutionalize regional drug rehabilitation centers and simplify the admission process for those seeking treatment.
Under SBN 665, the senator proposes establishing Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers in every region of the Philippines under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).
SBN 683, on the other hand, seeks to amend existing laws by eliminating burdensome judicial requirements for voluntary rehabilitation, allowing applications to be filed directly with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
As Go framed his advocacy, “Bukod sa krimen, may masamang epekto rin ang droga sa kalusugan lalo na sa mental health. Nais nating makabuo ng mga batas para maiwasan ang paglaganap nito at mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga nalulong sa droga na magbagong buhay.”