November 13, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Eleanor de Guzman
Chairperson, 09282555423

End Arroyo's terror scare!
Batasan bombing meant to justify full implementation of Terror Law

Youth group Anakbayan expressed its strongest condemnation against the big blast that rocked the Batasang Pambansa South Wing earlier tonight.

Anakbayan along with other youth and student groups immediately held an indignation rally at 9:30pm tonight at the UP Diliman oblation. The youth groups also offered candles and prayers for the victims of the bombing.

"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.

She said 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.

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

It also offered prayers for the immediate recovery of those injured, especially for Rep. Ilagan and her staff.

Anakbayan announced that it would also hold an indignation rally at the UP Diliman Palma Hall steps tomorrow morning. ###