"Spare civilians" - Gov. Migs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 21, 2009) – Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez offered his deepest sympathy and vowed justice to the victims of the twin grenade attacks in Maasim poblacion Saturday evening (June 20).

“As I have been repeatedly saying, I abhor any form of violence, especially against civilians,” Governor Dominguez said in a statement.

The Philippine National Red Cross immediately sent supplies of blood for those being treated in various General Santos City hospitals.

On Sunday morning (June 21), the Sarangani Human Resources and Management Office called on all Capitol employees to donate blood at the Philippine National Red Cross in General Santos City.

Gardo Rellon of Maasim poblacion was killed while 32 wounded were rushed to hospitals in General Santos City.

The provincial social welfare and development office deployed social workers for a round-the-clock monitoring of the victims from Saturday evening.

Governor Dominguez who was first to visit the victims at the hospitals said the province will shoulder hospital bills of the victims and provide food and transportation for volunteer watchers.

“We are here to live in peace and harmony. Whoever were behind the cowardly act are utterly wrong if their purpose is to sow fear and terrorize the people of Maasim and Sarangani,” Governor Dominguez said.

“For whatever reason the perpetrators did the dastardly act, there is no justification whatsoever for any attack against civilians and communities wanting to live in peace.”

“Coming on the eve of the town’s 37th Foundation Anniversary and hardly a year after the bloody assault at the town hall,” the governor said, “the latest treacherous attack only unmask the diabolical motives of the group and persons behind the reprehensible incident.”

Yet, Dominguez said, “the show must go on” for the town celebration for peace, harmony and progress.

Among the victims brought to the General Santos City Doctors Hospital were Gardo Rello (deceased), Adrin Salloman, Ingrid Genadiala, Mary Grace Andrade, Romel Candawan, Josephine Mabulak, Arnel Tanaid, Julieta Tanaid, George Tanaid, Flordeliza Tanaid, Caman Ampon, Lyn-lyn Solong and Daniel Adel.

At St. Elizabeth Hospital were Sarah Abbas, Albino Isla, Julie Tanaid, Jun Isla, Archie Isla, Romeo Libron, Jose Gimpayan, Joselito Kilan, Nonito Durano, Benjamin Donado, Jun Kalaw, Junric Remo and Sapdin Dimapunday.

At the Mindanao Medical Center were Florami Lejarso, Jacinto Avila, Din Jalil, Ricardo Sardido, Reymart Jumaac and Rosito Balbuena.

Taken to the General Santos City District Hospital was Julito Corazo. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)