Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called for increased police visibility in local communities following the death of a 16-year-old girl in Lupon, Davao Oriental, while urging state insurer PhilHealth to utilize its reserve funds to expand patient benefits.

During a 24 August visit, Lupon Vice Mayor Christian Lawrence Go delivered financial assistance, food packages and clothing on behalf of the senator to the grieving family of Mercelyn Saumat Oduyan.

Oduyan went missing from her home before her body was found; her remains were brought to MCC Funeral Homes in Mati City on 19 August.

Local authorities have taken a suspect into custody while investigating the circumstances surrounding Oduyan’s death.

Go urged a thorough and impartial investigation, noting that her death occurred just days after a fatal school shooting in Zamboanga City. He called for heightened police presence and proactive crime prevention measures to protect young people nationwide.

Separately, Go reiterated his call for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to deploy its substantial financial reserves to lower out-of-pocket medical costs for patients rather than maintaining excess capital on its balance sheet.