Moro group condemns Batasan blast; deems of political harassment, diversionary tactic

COTABATO CITY – A Moro group here condemns the recent blast of the Batasang Pambansa which has claimed four lives and injured several other persons including Gabriela Women’s Party representative Luz Ilagan.

A bomb exploded at around 8:15 p.m. on November 13 at the parking lot near the South Wing lobby of the Batasang Pambansa.

Bai Ali Indayla, national secretary-general of Suara Bangsamoro described the incident as political harassment to progressive lawmakers and diversionary tactic to cover up the impeachment issue and the Senate investigation on the Malacañang bribery scandal.

“The bombing took place a day after the progressive lawmakers including Rep. Ilagan and militant groups filed an impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the House of Representatives and on the eve of a Senate investigation into last month's Malacañang bribery scandal. With the facts of the past bombings in Mindanao, a big probability that this is another handiwork of the state,” Indayla stressed.

The group also demanded an independent and impartial investigation into the bombing.

"There should be an independent and thorough probe of the incident. It should not be an investigation where the results lack credibility. There should be no cover-up,” Indayla added.

Moreover, Suara Bangsamoro cautions the Arroyo government from using the recent bombing to justify the proclamation of a state of national emergency or martial rule and laying blame to innocent Moro civilians.

“We don’t want another collateral damage. This administration is immune in creating a situation where the public is placed under constant state of fear. With the Human Security Act in place, they could legalize whatever they want to do,” Indayla pointed out.

Moreover, Indayla appeals to public particularly the Moro people to take extra carefulness stressing that ‘the government’s security forces could not guarantee the safety of every Filipino.’

“There’s no safe haven for every Filipino here. If they can inflict harm to our lawmakers, how much more to ordinary citizens particularly the Moro civilians whom government always point finger them,” Indayla concluded.

Meanwhile, the Suara Bangsamoro expresses grief and condolences to the family of Rep. Ilagan's driver, Marcial Taldo, Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and to all fatalities and demanded that perpetrators be brought to justice. #