Bomb rocks Congress, kills 1 solon and 2 others

The country was rocked anew with reports of a new bombing incident Tuesday night, this time in the compound of the Batasan Pambansa, seat of power for the Philippine Congress, and resulted in the deaths of Basila Rep. Wahab Akbar and two others.

The blast, which occurred around 8:15 pm, was detonated at the South Wing entrance of the main building, just after session ended and the congressmen were on their way to the cars.

Among those slain with Akbar were Marcial Taldo, driver of Gabriel party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Maan Bustalino, a staff member of Negros Oriental Rep. Henry Teves.

Also injured during the explosion were Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Henry Teves; Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan; Ismael Lim, driver of Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza; Timar Kindanan, bodyguard of Akbar; Percy Garcia, a staff member of Teves; Dennis Manila, an aide of Teves; Larry Noda, a House administrative aide; Rodolfo Relente; Frederick del Castillo; Nikki Ayadoni; and Allan Mangulabnan.

Initial reports by police showed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) and could have been remote detonated, possibly with the bomber still within the compound.

Officials also suspect that Rep. Akbar was the true target of the bomb blast, since the explosion was timed just as he was waiting for his car to approach the lobby. Ground zero for the bomb was traced to one of two motorcycles parked near the wall a few meters away. However, investigations will still have to be conducted to ascertain the veracity of this theory.

Following the explosion, police and military forces in Metro Manila have been placed on red alert, with Director Geary Barias of the National Capital Region Police Office ordering check points around the metropolis as the police are coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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