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By Sammy Martin, Reporter
A neophyte lawmaker on Friday urged Philippine
National Police (PNP) to conduct further investigations on the
Batasan bombing incident, hinting that the alleged mastermind is
still at large.
Negros Oriental Representative Pryde Henry Teves,
who has not yet fully recovered from his wounds caused by the blast,
said authorities should look into the possible link of the political
ambition of the alleged target, the late Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar,
instead of relying on the latter’s past activities.
“It [investigation] is yet to net the big
fish,” Teves said in Filipino. “They should know where Akbar was
going, why he was supposed to be there and if he [Akbar] had an
enemy in the past.”
His reaction came after Judge Ralph Lee issued
warrants of arrest against former Basilan Rep. Gerry Salapuddin,
Hajarun Jamiri, Benjamin Hataman and PO1 Bayan Judda. However, the
arrest warrant against Salapuddin was canceled after Justice
Secretary Raul Gonzales said that the case against the former
lawmaker is weak.
“I have my own intelligence network and
according to my friends in the military and other people, there is
one more suspect in the [Batasan] blast, Teves, who still finds it
hard to walk because of his wounds, said.
“But I cannot name names now until they have
gathered enough evidence to pin him down,” Teves said, referring
to a known Mindanao politician who is a probable political enemy of
Akbar in the future elections. “I strongly believe that this [Batasan
blast] is politically motivated.”
Suspects are not fall guys
Teves, however, believes the four suspects who
were issued arrest warrants are not fall guys.
“I’ve been telling the victims’ families
to be patient since the Justice department is already working on
this,” Teves said.
But Akbayan Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan is more
critical, saying that she is not convinced that the four suspects
are the true culprits.
“While judicial processes must be respected,
we remain doubtful of the PNP’s investigation which is the basis
of the warrants issued,” Ilagan said. “Thus, we demand an independent
probe.”
“The fast arrest of the suspects combined with
fresh evidence found in their possession arose our doubts that the
suspects are fall guys,” Ilagan added.
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