Suspected bombs found near Philippine Senate ahead of Marcos' speech

Philippine authorities are investigating two suspected bomb incidents that occurred near key government buildings in Manila and Pasay on Monday, July 27, just hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address. The incidents have heightened security concerns ahead of the president's major speech.

A homemade bomb detonated near the entrance of the Department of Justice in Manila shortly after midnight, though no casualties were reported. Later that morning, security personnel discovered a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) near the Philippine Senate building in Pasay. A bomb disposal team successfully neutralized the device.

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There is a big possibility or probability that the two (incidents) are related.

Philippine National Police Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that investigators are examining a potential connection between the two incidents. "There is a big possibility or probability that the two (incidents) are related," Nartatez told reporters. Manila police spokesman Philipp Ines noted that the scale of the earlier explosion was still being assessed.

The Department of Justice confirmed the situation was under control and its complex remained secure, with an investigation underway to determine the source and circumstances of the explosion. The incidents occurred amid heightened political tensions, including Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial and a corruption scandal.

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We are still investigating, so we cannot give you details on how massive or small the explosion was.