ANTI-DEMOCRATIC FORCES BEHIND BATASAN BLAST,
WARNS KIKO; CALLS FOR VIGILANCE AND SOBRIETY
"We will not be cowed by this cowardly act!"

With three persons dead and at least 10 others in severe or critical condition following the blast at the House of Representatives Tuesday night, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan condemned the latest bombing in Metro Manila and warned of anti-democratic forces behind the attack.

"We believe that anti-democratic forces are working to undermine our constitutional democracy. This terrorist act is obviously meant to intimidate. We should be steadfast in getting to the bottom of this latest dastardly act," Kiko said.

"We express our condolences to the families of those who were killed and hurt. We condemn this violent attack on Congress. If the perpetrators of this cowardly act think we will be cowed or frightened, they are terribly wrong," added Kiko.

The PNP is in full alert status after an explosion happened at the south wing lobby of the Batasan Complex just after session was adjourned yesterday. At 8:07pm last night, the entire nation�still recovering from the Glorietta Mall blast last October 19�was rocked by the attack that left at least one Congressman dead. Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar suffered severe physical injuries and was pronounced dead several minutes after the incident. Gabriella Partylist Representative Luzviminda Ilagan and Rep. Henry Teves of Negros Occidental were among those hurt. Aside from Akbar, two other staff members of Congressmen died in the explosion, including Rep. Teves' niece.

"The PNP needs to step up its efforts fast. Two blasts in two consecutive months manifest ineeficiency in our security measures," Kiko said, citing the Glorietta 2 explosion last Oct.19.

"Di pa nga napapaliwanag ang talagang nangyari sa Glorietta, heto nanaman ang isa pang pagsabog na sa Kongreso pa mismo naganap," Kiko lamented.

"Our children, our people do not deserve a nation now reeling from bombings, from corruption and lawlessness. This latest incident only serves to strengthen our firm resolve to vigorously uphold and defend the Cnstitution and the rule of law in the country. Again, we express our condolences to the families of those who were killed and hurt. We appeal for calm, sobriety and urge our people to remain vigilant. Let us not allow these threats to desecrate our democratic institutions and processes," Kiko ended.