Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has lauded in an interview on Saturday, July 29, after assisting flood victims in Davao City, the lifting of the state of national emergency in Mindanao by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and said it was a testament to the successful law enforcement efforts in the region.
"Ang ibig sabihin po nito para sa akin, naging successful na po ang law enforcement efforts ng gobyerno sa Mindanao,” Go said.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order, credited the efforts initially initiated under former President Rodrigo Duterte and continued further by the present administration in combating terrorism and unrest in the region, which led to the state of emergency declaration in 2016.
The senator further highlighted the significant security challenges that had plagued Mindanao, which included bombings and the Marawi Siege.
"Inumpisahan po ito ni dating Pangulong Duterte na labanan po ang terorismo... nagkaroon ng proclamation si dating pangulong Duterte noong 2016 dahil magulo talaga, may bombings, at nando'n pa ang Marawi Siege," explained Go.
The senator interpreted the lifting of the state of emergency as a testament to the continuing campaign against terrorism in the region, and said "naging successful po ang dating Pangulong Duterte sa kanyang kampanya na labanan po ang terorismo at kaguluhan dito sa Mindanao."
“Magandang maipagpatuloy pa ito lalo ng kasalukuyang administrasyon para marating ang long-lasting peace sa Mindanao at sa buong Pilipinas,” he added.
Go pointed to the economic and societal benefits that would come with the normalization of life in Mindanao.
"With the lifting, mas lalong mano-normalize na po ang ating pamumuhay sa Mindanao at makapag-engganyo na tayo ng investors, turista, mas sisigla na ang ating ekonomiya, at karagdagang trabaho na po ito,” he said.
While the lifting of the state of emergency and public health emergency is a significant development for Mindanao, the senator stressed the importance of not forgetting the sacrifices made by frontliners, particularly uniformed personnel and healthcare workers, during the challenging period.
"Hindi natin mararating ito kung hindi sa sakripisyo ng ating mga frontliners,” said Go.
He earlier urged the Executive, specifically the Department of Health and the Department of Budget and Management, to honor the due compensation of healthcare workers as committed by President Marcos Jr. in his second SONA.
Marcos’ decision to lift the state of national emergency on July 25 was based on the improved peace and order situation in the region. His proclamation highlighted "successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs that promote sustainable and inclusive peace," contributing to the restoration of peace in the region.
The President expressed optimism that lifting the proclamation would "boost economic activity and hasten the recovery of the local economy."
