Mr. Gaa Reiterates Call to Avoid Speculating on the Batasan Bombing While Investigation Is Underway

Dateline Washington, DC, Nov. 14, 2007 

    As                    the investigation of the bombing at the Batasan Pambansa complex is currently underway, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Willy C. Gaa, reiterated the call he made yesterday for everyone to avoid unnecessary speculation on the target and motive of the bombing, and wait for more information to become available.

Following statements and comments being made by various parties in media and in the internet regarding this incident, Ambassador Gaa declared, “I find it distressing to hear unfounded speculations being made over this tragic incident in the absence of definite information as to the target and motive of the bombing. I once again call on those concerned to be a little patient and circumspect and await the results of the investigation before jumping to any conclusions.”

Ambassador Gaa further added, “President Arroyo has directed no less than the Chief of the Philippine National Police to personally supervise the conduct of the investigation of the bombing to determine its cause and motive, and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Given the progress that our country and our people have been making in the past few years, it is in the highest interest of the Philippine Government to ensure that incidents and acts of terror such as these will not be allowed to erode the people’s trust in our democratic processes or derail the momentum of the progress that we have been steadily achieving.”

Ambassador Gaa assures the Filipino community in the United States that the Embassy and the Consulates General will endeavor to provide timely and accurate information regarding developments in the investigation of this bombing incident. END.

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Amb. Willy C. Gaa's Statement on the Bombing of the Philippine House of Representatives

Dateline Washington, DC, 13 Nov. 2007
 
    I join our leaders and our people back home and the Filipino Community in the United States, in expressing our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of Representative Wahab Akbar and Mr. Marcial Tando. We likewise pray for the quick and safe recovery of those who were injured in the bomb blast.

I wish to assure the Filipino Community in the United States that the Philippine Government is on top of the situation and that no less than the Chief of the Philippine National Police, Director General Avelino Razon has been ordered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to personally supervise the investigation of the explosion.

    This is indeed a sad and unfortunate event. While the authorities are in the process of conducting their investigation to determine the cause of the bombing, I urge Filipinos to avoid speculation until more information about the incident is available. Let us not let this tragic event divide us. Let us unite instead in a common cause to protect and preserve our democratic way of life and not allow ourselves to be intimidated or manipulated by those who wish to destroy gains that our country and our people have made politically and economically. END.

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Casualties as blast rocks House of Representatives

INQUIRER.net
Last updated 08:43pm (Mla time) 11/13/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- An explosion rocked the House of Representatives just minutes after session ended Tuesday evening, causing a still undetermined number of casualties, a House employee said.

The employee said the explosion came from a van parked on the driveway of the south wing of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, where the House holds session.
Rep. Darlene Custodio, who said she was having dinner with colleagues at the South Lounge, when they heard the explosion around 10 minutes after session adjourned at 8:07 p.m. National Capital Region Police Office Director Gearry Barias, who was  on his way to the Batasan, said Rep. Henry Teves and four others were wounded.

Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, her driver, and the driver of Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza were also wounded and taken to the Malvar Hospital, Maza said.

Maza said the representatives who were still inside the Batasn when the explosion occurred have not been allowed to leave. # # #