Bombing attempt on house of lawmaker denounced

MANILA, Philippines - Two opposition lawmakers yesterday denounced the bombing attempt on the residence of their party-list colleague in Zamboanga City, after authorities discovered several improvised explosives in the area on Monday afternoon.

Reps. Joel Villanueva of the Citizens Battle Against Corruption and Florencio Noel of An Waray believe that the foiled bombing targeted Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman, their colleague in the House opposition bloc.

“The authorities should left no stone unturned in running after the perpetrators,” Villanueva said.

Noel, for his part, called on the public to always remain vigilant against groups and individuals who are out to sow terror.

“This is a condemnable and lamentable incident. Let us always mobilize the support of all sectors with close coordination with authorities against any threat to peace and progress,” Noel said.

Hataman believes that the bombs discovered near his residence could be for him.

“Perhaps the bombs were intended for me. It is saddening that my family has to experience this very serious threat,” he said.

Hataman refused to speculate on who could be behind the foiled attack.

Reports said one of the bombs was found by a street sweeper in a trash bin along Buen Braso Drive in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City at around 2 p.m. Monday.

Later, authorities found a motor battery said to be a component of the bomb. Some of the bombs were detonated, including the motor battery that made a loud explosion and filled the area with smoke.

Police said a bus terminal located a few meters away from where the bombs were found could also be a target.

Hataman and his brother Jim have been absolved from any criminal liability in the November 2007 bombing that left several people dead, including Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City. – With Jess Diaz and Roel Pareño