Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go expressed support and commended fellow lawmakers for pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2420, to be known as the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, which will significantly help the victims of the 2017 Marawi siege rebuild their lives.
On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the Senate approved on second reading the measure co-authored by Go providing compensation or reparation to the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) whose houses or properties were severely damaged as a result of the local conflict between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and terrorist groups in Marawi City.
“Maraming salamat po sa aking mga kapwa senador sa pag-suporta ng Marawi Compensation Bill. Marami pa po sa ating mga kapatid doon ang hindi pa lubusang nakakabangon kaya naman po malaking tulong po ito sa kanila,” Go remarked.
“Marahil ito po ay long overdue na pero sinisikap naming maipasa ito para sa ating mga kababayan diyan sa Marawi. Sana ay maibigay na rin po namin sa inyo itong tulong na para sa inyo upang makaahon kayo,” he promised.
As 98% of Marawi City’s population, as well as others in nearby municipalities, were displaced by the fighting, Go also vowed to remain steadfast in supporting other government initiatives to further help the victims and ensure that justice is served to the IDPs.
The senator then acknowledged the sacrifices and the courage of the people of Marawi City and reassured them that the government continues to exert great efforts in sustaining President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision of long-lasting peace and development in the country.
“Importante sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kapayapaan, lalo na sa Mindanao. Wala na po dapat na patayan. Sino ba namang gustong magpatayan Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino? Masakit ‘yon,” said Go.
“The government’s efforts in achieving sustainable peace and development across the country must be continuously pursued,” he added.
Go, who is a member of the Senate Special Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation, also appealed for continued cooperation among community members, saying, “Importante po ang tuluy-tuloy na pakikipagbayanihan lalo na po ngayong pandemya upang masigurado po ang muling pagbangon ng Marawi City.”
“Let us continue working together to address the injustices done to our brothers and sisters in Marawi City,” he urged.
Finally, Go reassured that the government remains focused on addressing threats of terrorism across the country. He also noted that continuous efforts are being exerted to ensure economic opportunities are provided especially in Mindanao to address one of the roots of local conflicts – poverty.
“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao upang tuluyang makamit ang inaasam na kapayapaan at kaunlaran hindi lamang para sa mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao kundi para sa buong Pilipinas,” he vowed. (PR) – bny
