In a manifestation delivered during the Senate Plenary Session on Tuesday, August 27, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stood in solidarity with his colleague, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, in condemning the excessive use of force during a Philippine National Police (PNP) operation in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.
Go emphasized the urgent need for calm and the protection of innocent lives, urging law enforcers to exercise prudence and remain true to their mandate to serve and protect.
On the same day, a Temporary Protection Order was released by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in the city, asking the PNP to cease and desist from their operations inside the KOJC compound and remove the barriers on its entry points.
The operation, which aimed to serve an arrest warrant against KOJC founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, has sparked controversy due to the reported heavy-handed tactics employed by law enforcement, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread fear within the community.
Senator Go, who has consistently supported the country’s uniformed personnel, emphasized that while law enforcement duties must be carried out, there is no justification for actions that terrorize the public and violate the sanctity of a place of worship.
“Mr. President, we condemn the excessive use of force. I appeal to our government, especially law enforcers, to be prudent in their actions and remain faithful to their mandate to serve and protect,” Go asserted.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order, Senator Go expressed his support for a thorough investigation into the operation led by its Chairperson, Senator dela Rosa. He also called on law enforcers to exercise professionalism and avoid being used as instruments of fear and oppression. “One life lost is too many,” Go lamented, underscoring the need for law enforcement to prioritize the protection of lives and rights above all.
“Mr. President, I have consistently expressed my full support to our uniformed personnel. Kami naman po’y sumusuporta sa trabaho ng pulis, basta in line of duty at naaayon sa batas. Noong panahon ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, dinoble natin ang sahod nila, pinaghirapan natin yun. At ako ay patuloy na sumusuporta sa ating mga uniformed personnel. Ang atin naman dito, walang masaktan. Kung ano lang po yung ayon sa batas, at ipatupad nang wala pong excessive use of force,” shared Go.
“Imbes na maximum tolerance, ginawang maximum terrorism. Hindi naman po terorista hinahanap nila. Bakit kailangang pagmumukaing battleground ang isang place of worship?” he stressed.
Senator Go also shared his office’s ongoing efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the raid, particularly the injured and the families of those who lost their lives.
Go also sympathized with some of the police officers assigned to conduct the operation in KOJC who have no choice but to follow orders.
“Marami sa inyo ay pagod at puyat na rin. Nakikiusap ako na magmalasakit at maghinay-hinay kayo dahil ayaw nating meron na namang masaktan dala ng emosyon at kaguluhan dyan ngayon. Sino ba naman ang gustong makita ang mga kapwa Pilipino ay nagkakasakitan?,” Go lamented.
He urged fellow government workers to uphold the interests of the Filipino people and ensure that their actions reflect the sovereignty that resides in the people.
“To my fellow workers in government, please serve the interests of the Filipino people and protect the rights and welfare of our fellow Filipinos. Just do what is right in the discharge of your delegated powers. After all, ‘Sovereignty resides in the people, and all government authority emanates from them,’” he ended.
