SAP Go to addicts: Reform or die

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go yesterday warned drug addicts to reform or face the grim prospect of death.

Go issued the warning after six of the seven young men who were shown in a video purportedly smoking marijuana, mocking President Rodrigo Duterte in the process, surrendered to the Malabon City Police.

“To all the (drug) addicts, I hope they take the option of going into a rehabilitation center—in government-run centers that’s free. Start your life anew. That’s a better option than being buried in a cemetery,” said Go in a radio interview.

He clarified that since drug use is detrimental to health, addicts are practically killing themselves.

“What I mean is that if you take drugs it’s as if you are digging your own grave at the cemetery; you are actually killing yourself,” he said.

Upon learning of the video on Tuesday Go said the youngsters may be forced to eat the marijuana they were smoking once President Duterte learned about their drug use and disrespectful behavior.

Go admitted making the remark: “Smoke that in hell.”

However, Go said that if the youngsters are really sincere in their apologies he is ready to help them.

“I will help them myself if they truly want to change,” he said.

Still, Go said the government should not let such offense pass because others may follow their bad example.

He also said the video clearly showed the negative effects of drugs.

“You can see they are not their normal selves. So that’s where crime starts. Many of the crimes such as robbery and rape happen because of drug-crazed minds. That is why our President hates drugs,” Go said.

Meanwhile, he also urged the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to intensify its information campaign on fire prevention.

He made the appeal following the fire in Tondo that killed five children left at home alone by their parents with the door locked. Only one from the brood of six siblings survived the fire.

“I urge them (BFP) to do more in their information drive on safety measures and fire prevention,” Go said.

He also advised parents not to leave their young children at home alone and avail themselves of child-minding programs of the barangays or the city governments in Metro Manila.

Go immediately went to see the parents of the children who perished in the fire. The Office of the President agreed to shoulder the funeral expenses of the victims.

He also vowed to provide help to the other fire victims but he said the concerned local government should take the lead in assisting them. EWB