A homemade bomb exploded near the entrance of the Philippine Department of Justice building in Manila early Monday, just hours before another unexploded device was discovered near the Senate building ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s annual address.
The blast, which occurred shortly after midnight, did not cause any casualties. Authorities later found a second improvised explosive device near the Senate several hours before President Marcos was scheduled to deliver his State of the Nation Address.
Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators believe there is a “strong possibility” that the two incidents are connected.
Police have yet to determine the scale or impact of the explosion. Manila Police spokesperson Philipp Ines said investigations were still ongoing and declined to comment on the strength of the blast while forensic examinations continue.
The incidents come at a time of heightened political tension in the Philippines. Vice President Sara Duterte is currently facing impeachment proceedings, while the government is also under scrutiny over an alleged corruption scandal involving fraudulent flood mitigation projects.
Authorities have not identified any suspects or established a motive for the bomb incidents, and investigations remain ongoing.
