Senator Christopher “Bong” Go strongly condemned election- related violence and called for a fair, clean and peaceful election amid the ongoing campaign season.
Speaking at the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines gathering held at Century Park Hotel in Manila on February 24, Senator Go denounced the reported shooting incident at Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.
“Ngayon, meron tayong barilan na naganap. Kinukundena natin ‘yung karahasan. Kinukundena ko po ang marahas na pamamaril sa isang vice mayor po ng Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, earlier today,” Senator Go declared, stressing his firm stance against violence.
The shooting occurred at around 10 a.m. while the victim who was a vice mayor was addressing a crowd in Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang. Authorities have yet to determine whether the attack was carried out using a sniper rifle or a firearm with a silencer. The wounded official was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was later reported to be in stable condition.
The senator, who has been vocal about maintaining peace and order in the country, emphasized the importance of fair elections, particularly with the May 12 polls approaching.
“Patas-patas lang po dapat sa eleksyon—bigyan natin ang karapatan ng Pilipino pumili, respetuhin ang will of the people. Alam n’yo, mas masarap ang pakiramdam ‘pag nanalo ka na pinili ka talaga ng taong bayan, at minahal ka ng taong bayan, dahil totoo kang nagseserbisyo,” Senator Go stated.
Senator Go called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly act on the case and ensure that justice is served.
“Kinukundena natin ang karahasan. Ang akin lang po, nakikiusap tayo sa otoridad na maimbestigahan at malaman po—hustisya po sa mga naging biktima ng karahasan,” he said.
He reiterated his appeal for peace, particularly in the lead-up to the elections, urging authorities to strengthen security measures to prevent further incidents of violence.
“Nakikiusap po tayo sa ating otoridad, at we reiterate our call for peace and order during these times at malapit na po ang eleksyon sa Mayo 12,” he added.
