OP rallies drug war support among newly-elected Manila village chiefs

SPORTS FOR CHANGE. Special Assistant to the President Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (far right) urges residents of Santa Ana, Manila to help boost the government’s three-point campaign against drugs, corruption and criminality. Go made the call at the “1st 3-Point Shootout Cup” held at the Plaza Hugo Basketball Court on Saturday (May 26, 2018). (PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

MANILA — The Office of the President (OP) on Saturday rallied support from more than 100 barangay captains in Manila for the Duterte administration’s “3-point campaign” against drugs, criminality, and corruption.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said President Rodrigo Duterte has been consistent with his goal to quash the three most pressing issues in the country.

“On his campaign against illegal drugs, please help on that in your respective villages” he told newly-elected barangay chairpersons of Manila’s 6th District, who gathered at the residence of Manila Rep. Sandy Ocampo.

“Barangay captains play a big role in the fight against illegal drugs“ he said in Filipino. “We may not be able to erase all these drugs, but you will all be bridges in putting these narcotics to the barest minimum.”

Go was guest of honor at the hosted dinner of Ocampo and at the 3-point shootout game in nearby Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana, Manila.

During the 3-point shootout event, Go said sports could be a huge avenue to “divert” attention from the temptations of illegal drugs.

With the so-called “3-point campaign” in line with the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs, Go said, security in the urban area has improved.

“I know you have felt change in your communities. Before, everyone was so afraid during night time because of rampant criminality, but now your students can walk home safe at night,” he said in Filipino.

“These illegal drugs, these are the roots of criminality — rapes, robberies, they all start from drugs,” he said. “Please stay away from drugs, let’s play basketball instead,” said Go, who is also a basketball enthusiast.