November 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reference:
Sarah Katrina Maramag
Vice-chairperson/Media Officer, 09193486790

Eleanor de Guzman
Chairperson, 09282555423

Batasan bombing blamed on culture of impunity, state terror
Students hold indignation rally at UP Diliman today

Anakbayan joined other youth and students groups in condemning the big blast that rocked the Batasang Pambansa South Wing last night.

Some 500 youth and students gathered at the UP Diliman Palma Hall steps today in an indignation rally calling for justice for the victims of the blast.

"As with the Glorietta explosion, the timing of the Batasan bombing is highly suspect following expected wide public lash out over the killing of the new impeachment complaint and the scheduled Senate hearing on the bribery and cash gifts scandals tomorrow. Again, we could only think of none but one beneficiary from this tragedy," said Anakbayan chairperson Eleanor de Guzman.

De Guzman said that the Batasan bombing is an act of impunity that could only be cold-bloodedly concocted by desperate minds.

"The Arroyo administration is solely to blame for the condoning the culture of impunity and state terror plaguing the country today. By persistently ignoring the clamor for justice for victims of extra-judicial killings and human rights violations, terrorists are emboldened to launch attacks against innocent civilians," said de Guzman.

She also added that they have reason to believe that the attack was not meant to 'destabilize the government' as claimed by some government officials and instead reiterated that only the Arroyo administration would benefit from it.

De Guzman said that the recent spate of bombings, terror scares and so-called reports of destabilization would only serve to justify the administration's full implementation of the Human Security Act or the Anti-Terror Law.

"Implementation of the HSA in a time when Arroyo has become most isolated from the people will not be a measure of national security but survival for her beleaguered regime. We call an end to Arroyo's terror scare. Too many lives has been lost for political diversion and the creation of an atmosphere of fear among the public," said de Guzman.

"Tatay Tibong"
Anakbayan also expressed its most heart-felt condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Marcial Talbo, Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan's driver who died in the blast.

Talbo was more affectionately known as 'Tatay Tibong' to members of Anakbayan-High School chapter. He was the father of an Anakbayan-High School member who died last year.

"He was like a father to all of us. Even after the death of his son, he remained supportive of our activities and campaigns. We mourn his unjust and untimely death," said Anakbayan-High School chairperson Xaviera 'Cacai' Vasquez. ###