Solon Seeks Probe ‘Blasts could herald emergency declaration’

MANILA, Philippines -- The wave of bombings in Metro Manila and Mindanao could be linked to efforts to create chaos to prompt the declaration of a state of emergency and extend the stay of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in office, said a lawmaker, who called for an investigation into the incidents.

Representative Liza Maza of Gabriela partylist said she would file a resolution for the House of Representatives to look into the bombings, saying that “anything is now possible as Arroyo’s final countdown begins in Malacañang.”

“President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her allies should be reminded that the Filipino people will never allow any form of Martial rule and any scheme to perpetuate her self further in power,” Maza said in a statement.

In a separate interview, Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez called for calm as authorities investigate the incident and pinpoint the mastermind.

“The government must quickly investigate this and come out with credible report in order to allay speculations, let’s not make statements that would fuel these speculations and aggravate the situation,” said Golez, former national security adviser.

Retired general Avelino Razon Jr., the presidential adviser on peace process, said the bombings will not have a dent on peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Armed Forces of the Philippines is investigating the incidents.

“The bombing in Cotabato will not in any way affect the peace process with the MILF. We are optimistic the peace process will be pursued, this has been indicated by the MILF leadership and we are on the belief that they are sincere in their pronouncement,” said Razon at the report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before the oversight committee on the government’s accomplishment one the peace process, one of the President’s 10-point agenda.

Asked who instigated the bombings, Razon said, “We are not at this point in time categorically stating that the MILF has a hand in these incidents, we will await the investigation of the AFP and the PNP.”

Maza warned authorities against immediately pointing the blame to Muslim rebels because this would worsen the situation.

At least five people were killed and 45 others were wounded when a bomb exploded near a church in Cotabato City over the weekend. Last week, an improvised explosive device also exploded at the premises of the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City and C-4 bombs were also found at the Department of Agriculture and outside a condominium building along Katipunan Avenue also