November 14, 2007

References: Jigs Clamor, Deputy Secretary General, 09228149751
		 Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Secretary General, 09178176274

PRESS STATEMENT

Condemns terroristic  act
KARAPATAN calls for an independent investigation of the BATASAN Bombing

Karapatan grieves with the bereaved families of Marcial Tando, driver
of Gabriela Women's Party Representative Luz Ilagan, Maan Gale
Bustalino, Staff of Rep. Pryde Teves and Basilan Congressman Wahab
Akbar, who were killed in last night's tragic bombing of the Batasan.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms yesterday's bombing of the
House of Representatives and join in the call for the immediate
formation of an independent body that will investigate this abominable
act. Those who are found responsible must be put on trial and punished
for the tragedy that snuffed out the lives of the innocent.

We likewise warn the government not to use this unfortunate incident
against imposing martial rule and further put at risk the rights of
the Filipino people.

We urge all quarters to desist from quickly pointing to so-called
terrorists or anarchists  as responsible for the blast.  We call on
the Philippine National Police to diligently do its work of preserving
the evidences so that a thorough and credible investigation can be
made on this reprehensible incident.

Let us together continue to struggle for justice and demand state
accountability for the killings, disappearances and other human rights
violations.