Congressman says Abra grenade blast 'a personal attack'

ABRA Representative Joseph Sto. Niño "JB" Bernos said the January 25 bombing in La Paz, Abra that had claimed the lives of two policemen, including a former Special Action Force trooper, was an attack against him and his family.

The lawmaker and his wife, La Paz Mayor Menchie Bernos, were among those injured when an unidentified assailant hurled a grenade during the fireworks display for the town's fiesta celebration before dawn Thursday.

"It was, in my opinion, a deeply personal attack against me, my family, and my mandate as the representative of the Lone District of Abra, whoever they are -- disrupted the reign of longstanding peace and order in our Province," he said in a statement.

"I am enraged that you threatened me and my wife with two explosives, but you cannot bring us down in a time when the people are seeing and feeling the gradual progress and development in Abra, and when you chose to target the chair of the PNP (Philippine National Police) Modernization Bill," he added.

The lawmaker said he and his wife are now in a stable condition.

Bernos has expressed sympathy to the families of PO3 Carlos Bocaig and PO2 Frenzel Kitoyan, who were killed during the blast.

Bocaig was a former SAF member who took part in the Mamasapano raid on January 25, 2015 that ended in a gunfight with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and breakaway faction Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. ebels. The encounter killed 44 SAF men and 18 Moro rebels.

Bernos said he will extend assistance to all those who have been gravely affected by the unfortunate incident.

A person of interest has been taken into police custody after the bombing.

Meanwhile, the PNP Modernization Bill, a measure that seeks to modernize and reform the PNP is expected to be deliberated soon by the members of the House of Representatives.

Bernos believes that the bill can make the PNP, beaten by negative perception amid complaints against abusive cops and allegations of corruption among its ranks, more effective and attuned to the times. (Keith Calayag/ SunStar Philippines)