MANILA – A homemade explosive device detonated near the entrance of the Philippine Department of Justice early Monday, just hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Nation Address (SONA). No casualties were reported, but authorities immediately heightened security across Metro Manila.
Police later discovered another suspected improvised explosive device (IED) near the Philippine Senate in Pasay City, prompting bomb disposal units to secure the area as investigators examined whether the two incidents were connected.
The explosion occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m. local time along Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, near the Department of Justice compound. Authorities said the blast caused only minor property damage, including cracked vehicle windows and scattered debris.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched an investigation to determine the type of explosive used and identify those responsible. Officials have yet to establish a motive or confirm whether the attack was intended to disrupt security ahead of the president’s annual address.
PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III said investigators believe there is a "high probability" that the explosion near the Justice Department is linked to the suspected bomb discovered several hours later close to the Senate building.
The suspicious device near the Senate was reportedly found by a tow truck driver on a nearby road. Bomb disposal experts responded to the scene and recovered components believed to include a detonator, a timer, and a container holding brown powder for forensic examination.
The security incidents came just hours before President Marcos delivered his annual State of the Nation Address, one of the Philippines' most significant political events. In response, authorities deployed around 20,000 police officers to secure the Batasang Pambansa complex, government offices, transportation hubs, and other key locations across the capital.
Despite the incidents, the president's address proceeded under heightened security.
As of this writing, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the explosion. Authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that all possible angles are being examined.
Philippine authorities continue to investigate the origin of the explosive devices, identify those involved, and determine whether the two incidents were coordinated. Officials have not linked the attacks to any specific organization or political group, and security measures remain in place at government facilities while the investigation continues.
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