DAVAO CITY — Representative Luzviminda Ilagan survived the blast that rocked the House of Representatives shortly after the session adjourned Tuesday night.
Ilagan was reportedly bleeding due to shrapnel injuries when brought to Malvar hospital. She was declared in stable condition a few hours later. Ilagan was hurt in her right thigh and legs; and part of her hair also got burned.
But her driver, Marcial Taldo, 54, a husband of a Gabriela member Lorian Taldo was killed in the explosion.
Gabriela secretary general Tinay Palabay said Taldo was inside Ilagans car, a white Toyota van, at the parking area of the South Wing entrance of the House of Representatives complex, when the explosion happened.
Rep. Luz Ilagan at a recent rally in Davao City(davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)
Masas driver, Mike Lim, who was going out to the parking lot along with Ilagan, was also injured in the incident. Masa was supposed to go with them but had to go upstairs.
Ilagan and Masas cars are identical.
The blast occurred shortly after the session of the House of Representatives was adjourned.
Malacaang officials said the attack could have been aimed at personalities but said it could not have been caused by terrorists.
But Masa said its difficult to come up with statement without thorough investigation yet.
Masa condemned the incident, saying there were innocent people hurt.
Masa also cited the security system at the House of Representatives was supposed to be very tight. We should know. We have been there at the house for 71 days, she said.
The explosion came at the time when an impeachment trial opens in the Lower Chamber and a serious bribery scandal rocked the Arroyo administration.
Gabriela Davao received the news with shock. “It’s a terrorist act, so, we have to condemn it because it victimizes civilians,” Grace Noval of Gabriela Davao said.
Whether Representative Ilagan could still make it to the session today when the House decides on the impeachment case filed against President Gloria Arroyo, still remains to be seen. (Cheryll Fiel/davaotoday.com)
Terrorism
