Senator Christopher “Bong” Go denied allegations that he was involved in the police operations during the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement released on Saturday, Go emphasized, “I have no participation whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in the operational requirements of the war on drugs.”
The senator’s response came after retired police colonel Royina Garma alleged that Go had coordinated with National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo to establish a system of cash incentives for police officers based on the number of drug suspects killed.
Go refuted the claims, clarifying that his office had no involvement in police operations, nor did he handle funds from the President’s office. He also denied the existence of a reward system for killing suspects.
The accusations surfaced during a House quad committee hearing, where Garma claimed to have facilitated meetings between Go and Leonardo, who allegedly reported drug operation deaths to Go.
Go called for an impartial investigation, stating that Garma’s claims were diversionary tactics to distract from the murder case against her and Leonardo, who were both implicated in the 2020 killing of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
Barayuga was shot dead in Mandaluyong City while stuck in traffic in July 2020, with police testimony pointing to Leonardo and Garma’s involvement.
Go expressed disappointment over the politicization of investigations, stressing the need for truth and transparency while defending his role in Duterte’s administration.
