SEVERAL sectors in Iloilo City have released statements condemning the “terrorist act” of a group responsible for two bombing incidents in March.
The sectors have also asked the local police to conduct a speedy investigation “without fear and favor and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Earlier, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who is running for a congressional seat, has received threats.
A bombing incident also took place in Treñas’ bakeshop and another one in his family’s ancestral house.
Police said these bombing incidents aim to harass and intimidate the Treñas family, specifically the mayor.
The Board of Trustees of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation Inc., in a statement, said: “As business people, our main concern is that peace and order is maintained at all times in our city. We cannot afford to have Iloilo tagged as a lawless and dangerous place and jeopardize all the efforts that we have exerted in making Iloilo an investment hub for business process outsourcing tourism and agriculture.”
The Federation of Trisikad Drivers and Owners Association of the Six Districts of Iloilo City Inc. also issued Monday a statement condemning the “terrorist act leading to political instability.”
The statement of more than 26,000 tricycle drivers and owners condemn the bombing incidents and “see it as a threat to our livelihood and the alarming occurrence shattered the peaceful set-up of our city.”
“We furiously abhor and loathe the brain who masterminded the grenade throwing that caused property destruction and possibly to harm lives of the people,” the trisikad drivers and owners said.
Similarly, lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr., team leader of the Visayan Sea Squadron and a 2009 Ramon Magsaysay awardee, also strongly condemn these bombing acts of violence and called upon Ilonggos to express their collective indignation over the same.
“I also call upon the enforcement authorities to act with resolve and dispatch to solve these crimes before it degenerates into a total breakdown of law and order,” Oposa said. (Lydia C. Pendon)