Blast rocks Batasan complex

Sorry for the inactivity in this blog; I am currently swamped with all the work we do in the office. I hope to get back again sometime soon, but let me just break the current lull with these:

Blast rocks Batasan complex; 1 dead, 2 solons among hurt
Source: GMANews.TV
November 13, 2007

(Updated 9:10 p.m.) A loud explosion occurred at the south wing lobby of the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City, radio dzBB reported about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. The report said at least one died and six others were hurt in the incident, including at least two House lawmakers.

DzBB quoting information from National Capital Region Police Office chief Geary Barrias said one Marcial Calvo, reportedly the driver of Rep. Wahab Akbar died in the blast. The report also said Rep. Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Henry Teves and Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Liwanag were hurt in the incident, along with four others.

Teves and his two other staff were brought to the New Era General Hospital. The report said the three sustained injuries to their faces, hands and feet.

Read more here.

Gabriela solon’s driver killed as blast rocks House: At least 2 solons hurt
Source: Inquirer.net
November 13, 2007: Last update (09:12pm)

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 3) An explosion rocked the House of Representatives just minutes after session ended Tuesday evening, killing the driver of Gabriela Representative Luz Ilagan and wounding the solon, Negros Oriental Representative Henry Tevez, and several other persons, National Capital Region Police Director Gearry Barias said.

Barias identified the fatality as Marcial Talbo, whose body was retrieved from inside Ilagan’s car and was identified through his identification card. He said at least four other people were wounded.

Read more here.

I am currently watching ANC for latest developments on the blast. Kudos to anchors Pia Hontiveros and David Celdran for being restrained as they wait for the latest news, repeatedly telling people to remain calm amid confusion and disinformation on what had just happened. Both were not speculating the reasons behind the blast, and were merely telling the public to rely only on reliable sources for more information. Information from text messages should not be immediately believed in, the two said.