An explosion occurred outside the Department of Justice in Manila, Philippines, and a suspicious device resembling an improvised explosive was found near the Senate building just hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his annual policy address. Police believe the two incidents may be connected and are urgently investigating.
An improvised explosive device detonated at the entrance of the Department of Justice in Manila, Philippines, shortly after midnight on Monday (27 Jul), with no injuries or deaths reported. A few hours later, authorities found another suspicious device resembling a bomb near the Senate building before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Congress.
Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated there is a "high likelihood" that both incidents are linked. He acknowledged that despite preparations to counter bomb threats, the explosion still occurred outside the Department of Justice.
Manila police said they have not yet assessed the size or force of the explosion as evidence is still being examined. Local media footage showed cracked car windows caused by the blast and debris scattered across the area.
Around 08:00, Senate security personnel on routine patrol were alerted by a tow truck operator who found a suspicious object on Diokno Boulevard, adjacent to the Senate building. The explosive ordnance disposal team from Pasay City police inspected and safely neutralized the device.
Preliminary checks revealed multiple components believed to be parts of an improvised explosive device, including a 9-volt battery, detonator, clock, and a plastic container filled with brown powder suspected to be an explosive substance. All materials were sent for forensic analysis while investigations continue to identify who placed the device.
The incidents occurred amid heightened political tension in the Philippines as President Marcos prepared to deliver his annual address. The administration faces pressure from several issues, including the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, corruption allegations related to flood control projects, and rising living costs.
Political analysts say this year's policy address is a crucial moment for President Marcos, who has just two years remaining in office. This will be his fifth annual address, occurring during the final two years of his term. Analysts note Marcos Jr. is confronting a clear crisis of public confidence, with Pulse Asia surveys indicating that Filipinos most want to see serious anti-corruption efforts and measures addressing inflation, which has been affected by conflicts in the Middle East.
Further analysis suggests President Marcos Jr. must use this opportunity to restore government credibility, including holding accountable those involved in corruption scandals, whether allies or the vice president, and presenting long-term solutions such as promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles to alleviate economic challenges.
So far, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for either incident. Meanwhile, Philippine police and security agencies have heightened security measures in key areas throughout Manila and are intensifying investigations to determine the causes and perpetrators behind these events.
/sourceABS-CBN/ AFP