Bong Go extends assistance to family of slain 16-year-old in Lupon, calls for stronger police visibility

Oduyan died on August 19, and her remains were brought to MCC Funeral Homes in Mati City, where family and loved ones gathered to mourn her passing.

Representing Go, Vice Mayor Atty. Chrence Go conveyed the senator’s condolences to the family.

“Napakasakit mawalan ng anak, lalo na sa ganitong paraan. Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya ni Mercelyn. Nawa’y makatulong kahit kaunti ang ating munting tulong sa panahong pinagdaraanan ninyo ngayon,” Vice Mayor Go said.

The assistance included financial aid, food packs, shirts, jackets, pens, and fans.

“Nandito po kami para iparating ang pakikiramay ni Senator Bong Go at ipakita na hindi po kayo nag-iisa. Patuloy nating susuportahan ang pamilya sa abot ng ating makakaya,” he added.

The incident came just a week after the tragic shooting in Zamboanga City, where another young life was lost to violence. According to Go, the successive incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen efforts to prevent violence and make communities safer, particularly for children and young people.

“Isang linggo pa lamang ang nakalipas mula nang mangyari ang shooting incident sa Zamboanga City, at muli na naman tayong humaharap sa isang kung saan isang 16-anyos na bata ang nasawi. Nakakadurog ng puso na may mga kabataan tayong hindi na nakauwi nang ligtas sa kanilang mga pamilya,” Go said.

“Hindi dapat maging normal ang ganitong mga insidente. Kailangan nating palakasin ang police visibility sa mga komunidad, lalo na sa mga lugar kung saan kailangang mas maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang presensya ng mga nagpapatupad ng batas,” he added.

The family said they are seeking justice for Oduyan, who was reportedly found after going missing from their home. They also said that a suspect has been apprehended, although authorities are still determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Go, a native of Lupon, called for a thorough and impartial investigation, stressing that Oduyan’s family deserves answers and justice.

“Umaasa tayo na magiging masusing-maayos ang imbestigasyon upang malaman ang buong katotohanan. Kung may mapapatunayang responsable sa pagkamatay ni Mercelyn, dapat siyang managot alinsunod sa batas,” Go said.

“Ang proteksyon sa ating mga kabataan ay hindi lamang dapat nakikita pagkatapos ng isang trahedya. Kailangan nating kumilos bago pa mangyari ang krimen. Kailangan ng mas matibay na prevention, mas aktibong police visibility, at mas ligtas na mga komunidad upang hindi na madagdagan ang mga pamilyang kailangang mawalan ng kanilang mga anak,” Go said.

Through his office and local representatives, Mr. Malasakit continues to provide assistance to families facing difficult circumstances, particularly those who have lost loved ones under tragic conditions.