Bomb Blast in Philippine Congress

(Manila) A large explosion blasted through the Philippine House of Representatives a short while ago. By the latest report, there are at least one death two dead (see Update) and 15 injured.

From AFP:

An explosion ripped through part of the Philippine House of Representatives on Tuesday, injuring at least six people, local media reports said.

Local radio said a "huge explosion" took place in the south lobby of the chamber just after 8:00 pm (1200 GMT), following the end of a session of Congress. The blast sent bits of concrete flying across the parking lot.

"It looks like there were a number of people injured," congressman Joel Villanueva told local radio.

House Speaker Jose de Venecia said the blast was likely terrorists who wanted to threaten Congress. National Capital Regional Police chief Geary Barias said it's too early in the investigation to know the specific origin of the explosion. The bomb is believed to have detonated in a parking area outside the building's south wing.

A driver for Congresswoman Luz Ilagan, Melchor Talbo, was confirmed killed.

Metro Manila is now on full red alert.

National Capital Regional Police chief Geary Barias has ordered check points around the metropolis while the police are coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo ordered PNP Chief Avelino Ravon to personally supervise the investigation.


[Update]

From ABS-CBN:

Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar passed away following the blast that took place at the Batasan Pambansa Complex Tuesday night in Quezon City.

Negros Oriental Rep. Henry Teves, meanwhile, is in critical condition after sustaining severe blast injuries and burns following the explosion.

Those who were rushed to General Malvar Hospital on Commonwealth Avenue were identified as Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, who sustained shrapnel wounds to the legs and back; Ismael Lim, driver of Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza; Kim Ar, bodyguard of Akbar and Maan Abustanilo, a staff of Teves.

An aide for the Philippine Broadcasting System, Larry Noda, 34, is stable with burns to his head and face.


[Update II]

Well, it sure didn't take long for blame to be assigned.

The blast that ripped through the south wing of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City Tuesday night is the handiwork of political opponents of Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and his family.

This was the statement issued by the Basilan provincial government hours following the explosion Tuesday night. Akbar died at the hosptial after being severly injured in the blast.

Cris Puno, Basilan's provincial information officer, said that the explosion was meant to kill Akbar.

Puno said that it was a move of Akbar's opponents to grab power in Isabela City, Basilan and in the entire province.

Puno added that "enemies of Akbar" are working hard for him to be out of power because they cannot accept that he holds power in Basilan.

Therefore, if this information is correct, the blast was not a terrorist-sponsored event. It was merely an assertive transfer of political power.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.