CBCP, Bayan condemn Mindanao bombings
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 07/07/2009 1:28 PM
Printer-friendly version | 
Send to friend | 
Share your views
The powerful Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan condemned Tuesday the spate of bombings in Mindanao that has killed seven people and wounded scores more.
In a statement, CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo condemned the bombings near the Immaculate Cathedral in Cotabato City and Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo.
“The bishops in their retreat prayerfully express condolence to the families of the innocent victims of explosion in Cotabato and Jolo killing seven people and scores wounded civilians. We appeal to the perpetuators to desist from their violence and to bring their concerns to proper forum. We join the local bishops in their call for sobriety, we join the pope in condemning recourse to violence in solving existing problems," Lagdameo said in a statement.
Earlier Pope Benedict XVI condemned Sunday's "heinous" bomb attack outside a Catholic church in the Philippines which killed five people and said resorting to violence never solved anything.
Separately, Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes Jr. said the bombings that resulted in civilian deaths are condemnable and cannot be justified. He said the motives of the bombings can either be to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, or to divert public attention from pressing issues and to lay the basis for emergency rule.
Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia has already warned of a Martial Law scenario because of the bombings.
“We should be vigilant, not just because of the bombings, but also because there may be some forces out to exploit the situation so that some form of emergency rule or martial law can be declared,” Reyes said.
“We must not allow these bombings to be used as a pretext for iron-fisted rule. Neither should we allow more innocent civilians to die so that a climate of fear is created and protests against the Arroyo regime are weakened,” he added.
Bayan said that the vast financial and manpower resources of the government should be used to apprehend the suspects, but not through a witch-hunt.
“The timing of the bombings, three weeks before the SONA, is already very disturbing to say the least. We cannot help but be alarmed by the brazenness of the bomb attacks,” Reyes added.
Comments