Batasan bombing triggers national outrage

BAGUIO CITY (Nov. 16) — The Batasan complex bombing that killed four and wounded 13 others was condemned by various sectors all over the country.

In Baguio City, a candle-lighting was launched Wednesday to dramatize Baguio groups’ indignation over the bombing.

The Promotion of Church People Response (PCPR) also lit candles for the victims on Wednesday in Quezon City as the group urged the PNP to probe other possible angles apart form the theory that Rep. Wahab Akbar was the main target.

“Given the record of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other Malacañang agencies in coming out with confusing statements, incredible findings and hasty conclusions on the Glorietta bombing and similar incidents, we cannot simply believe what they claim on the Batasan bombing,” the PCPR statement read.

The PCPR also doubts that the P5-million reward Malacañang offered would lead to the arrest of the mastermind of the Batasan bombing.

Karapatan and Migrante International on the other hand called for an immediate and independent investigation of the blast as they warned Malacañang against using the incident to justify repressive measures.

“We condemn this latest reprehensible attack against innocent civilians. Given how this occurred in the wake of the botched investigation into the Glorietta bombing, we demand a comprehensive, independent and genuine probe into this unprecedented attack at the Batasan,” says Connie Bragas-Regalado, Migrante International chairperson.

“We urge all quarters to desist from quickly pointing to so-called terrorists or anarchists as responsible for the blast,” Jigs Clamor of Karapatan said.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), in a separate statement, questioned the competence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in securing vital institutions despite huge security and national defense budget allocations and security trainings, anti- terrorism drills and military modernization programs.

The CEGP statement also said the explosion threatens public security not just in the metropolis but at the national level as well. The more fearful action that the government might impose will be the heightened military presence in public places of Metro Manila.

“We appeal to the young citizens to be vigilant during critical times like this,” the statement ended.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan in another statement said anti-democratic forces are behind the Batasan blast as he expressed condolences to families of the victims. # via NORDIS