Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go emphasized Wednesday the need to establish an “iron-hand” mechanism against cops found involved in illegal drug trade activities.

In an interview with reporters, Go lamented the need to impose stricter management of law enforcement operations so that the gains of the war on drugs campaign by the past administration of President Rodrigo Duterte “will not be put to waste.”

“We really need to apply iron-hand to these policemen. They really need to be scared,” Go  said, adding that once the illegal drug activities will proliferate anew, corruption and criminalities will follow.

“The fear like before has gone. I am in awe of what President Duterte started when he fight illegal drugs in the country,” he added.

The lawmaker also stressed that he is saddened that those cops that are involved in illegal activities are just putting a stain on to “clean reputation” built by the forefathers of the Philippine National Police.

Go was referring to the initial results of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ ongoing probe on the arrest of Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. for sneaking portion of P6.7 billion of “shabu” that was hauled in October last year — incriminating massive PNP cover-up of the case.

He then urged the National Police Commission to immediately file criminal cases against those cops that have links to illegal drug syndicates as he expressed full support to the eagerness of committee chairman Senator Ronald de la Rosa “to really determine the source of this big-time shabu.”

While he commends the current administration’s fight against illegal drugs, Go said there is a need to put extra effort to sow fear against criminals, particularly those cops that are part of syndicates.

Meantime, the senator also pushed for the institutionalization of the Shared Service Facilities project under the Department of Trade and Industry as the Senate approved on the third and final reading Senate Bill 2021 seeking to amend Republic Act 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises as amended by RA 9501, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

“As a nation, we must recognize the immense potential and significance of these enterprises in driving our economy forward, creating jobs, and uplifting the lives of our people,” Go said.

“MSMEs form the backbone of our economy, comprising a significant portion of our business landscape. They are the engines of innovation, providing employment opportunities, and contributing to the overall socio-economic progress of our communities,” he added.