KIKO TO PNP: SPEED UP BATASAN BLAST PROBE

Two days after the explosion that rocked the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today called on the PNP to speed up investigations in order to arrest the culprits swiftly and prevent more speculations as to the motive of the bombing.

"It would do our authorities well to expedite investigations and arrive at a credible conclusion before airing these circumstantial analyses that we are getting. We cannot afford a repeat of the Glorietta Mall blast mix-up where the PNP issued conflicting statements as to whether the explosion was an industrial failure or a terror attack," Kiko said.

"The PNP has been floating that the explosion was an assassination plot against Rep. Akbar, and it is even suggesting that the circumstances in the Batasan blast are reminiscent of Abu Sayyaf-orchestrated attacks in Mindanao. Yet when asked to make a categorical statement if the bombing was a terror attack or not, our police cannot give one," Kiko added.

The PNP has been in full alert status since Tuesday's explosion at the south wing lobby of the Batasan Complex just after session was adjourned. Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar suffered severe physical injuries resulting 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 public is counting on our authorities for guidance. We cannot allow misinformation or hearsay to come from the police. To cut speculations and relieve apprehension once and for all, give us conclusive, trustworthy and transparent findings on the Batasan blast."

Kiko also criticized the government for allowing the bombing to happen. "What can we expect from a government that cannot even protect its own officials?" he asked.