FEB.

25, 2012 DATE

NR # 2690B
REF. NO.

Probe PNPs readiness to address bomb threats - solon

A lawmaker has called for a congressional inquiry to determine the readiness and capability of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other security agencies in handling bomb threats and other criminal acts. Rep. Gabriel Luis Quisumbing (6th District, Cebu) filed House Resolution 2101 urging the House Committee on Public Order and Safety and other appropriate committees to invite the officials of the PNP and other security agencies that deal with terrorist threats to appear before the inquiry. Past incidents of bombings and attacks have an adverse impact on the national economy and the stability of our institutions. We need to institute appropriate measures to help bring back the peoples confidence in our law enforcement agencies, Quisumbing said. Quisumbing stressed the constitutional mandate that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy. Quisumbing cited the September 26, 2010 bombing incident along Taft avenue near De La Salle University Manila, a few minutes after the Bar examinees began exiting DLSU. Some 47 people were injured. Quisumbing said an 81mm-mortar shell also ripped apart a Newman Gold Liner bus along EDSAs northbound lane, near the Metro Rail Transits Gil Puyat station, leaving four people dead and 14 hurt in January 2011. Quisumbing also cited President Aquinos warning on January 9, 2012 of a possible terrorist threat and bomb attack during the procession of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. Quisumbing said on January 25, 2012, various news sources reported that four people died and eight others were wounded after a vintage bomb being dismantled by cops suddenly exploded in Taguig City. Quisumbing said there is a need for the PNP and other concerned agencies of government to review its bomb threat procedures and protocols to effectively deal and even prevent any critical incident that may occur. (30) dpt