SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go voiced his deep concern over the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealing a sharp rise in victimization rates from both cybercrimes and common crimes.
The survey, conducted from September 14 to September 23 and released on November 9, shows that a record 7.2 percent of families reported falling victim to cybercrime, up from 3.7 percent in June. This increase reflects a widespread surge across all regions, with the highest spike observed in Metro Manila, rising from 3 percent to a staggering 12.3 percent.
Go expressed alarm at these findings, particularly for vulnerable sectors and marginalized communities who may lack the resources to protect themselves from online threats.
“Huwag natin sayangin ang pinaghirapan ng nakaraang administrasyon na labanan ang iligal na droga, korapsyon, at kriminalidad. Upang makabangon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa pagsubok, importante na maproteksyunan ang kanilang buhay, kapakanan at kaligtasan,” said Go.
“This significant rise in cybercrime underscores an urgent need to enhance our cybersecurity defenses,” he emphasized, urging government agencies to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures and uninterrupted support to shield Filipinos from the increasing threats posed by online criminals.
The survey also reported a rise in common crimes, such as pickpocketing, break-ins, and car theft, affecting 6.1 percent of families, up from 3.8 percent in June.
Senator Go then reminded authorities to sustain and build on the progress made during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte in combating illegal drugs and other forms of criminality, which he sees as interconnected issues that threaten public safety and well-being.
“Tulad din naman ng sinabi ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noon sa kapulisan: gampanan ang tungkuling proteksyunan ang buhay at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino sa paraang naaayon sa batas,” he cited.
Earlier, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 4224, which seeks to provide free legal assistance to the country’s uniformed personnel.
Senator Go is a co-author of RA 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act which outlines the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms, online sellers, and online customers to protect online the integrity of online transactions.
He also co-authored RA 11934 or the SIM Registration Law which requires the registration of SIMs to serve as a deterrent to mobile phone-aided crimes such as text scams.
Reflecting on the past, Go pointed out how Duterte’s war on drugs brought significant benefits to ordinary citizens with its strong stance against crimes.
“Noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte, ang durugista po ang takot. At ayaw nating mangyari na ang durugista ang muling maghasik ng lagim,” he said.
He added,
“Kapag bumalik ang iligal na droga, babalik po ang kriminalidad, tataas din ang korapsyon. Ang taumbayan na po ang humusga kung nakinabang ba ang Pilipino sa ginawang strong stance against illegal drugs and criminality noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte.”
There is a direct link between drugs, crime, and corruption. By addressing these issues holistically, Go said the government can better protect communities and create a safer, more secure Philippines.
“Ang ayaw ko pong mangyari ay ang taumbayan ang takot maglakad sa gabi. Dapat po ang kriminal, dapat po ang drug addict ang takot maglakad sa gabi, hindi ang ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino na gusto lang tahimik ang buhay at makakauwi ng ligtas ang kanilang mga anak,” he said, highlighting the essential role of peace and order in safeguarding the well-being of citizens.
With fears about neighborhood safety remaining high, Go emphasized his commitment to working closely with government agencies to protect all Filipinos, especially the underprivileged, from both physical and online dangers.
“Karapatan po natin mabuhay nang tahimik,” he added.
