Two suspected IEDs recovered near Senate, DOJ on July 27
Authorities have launched an investigation following the discovery of two separate suspected improvised explosive devices near the Senate and the Department of Justice on Monday morning, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address.
On Monday, July 27, the DOJ reported that an explosion occurred near the entrance of its building around 12:17 a.m. An alleged IED detonated near the entrance of the DOJ building on Padre Faura Street in Ermita, the DOJ said.
The Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (PNP-EOD) Unit immediately responded to the scene to conduct a technical examination. Police also reported no casualties.
The DOJ said an investigation is underway to determine the source, nature, and circumstances surrounding the explosion.
It also assured the public that the situation is under control, the compound remains secure, and it remains committed to the safety of its personnel and the public while supporting an impartial investigation.
Meanwhile, another suspected IED was discovered after a towing service employee spotted the package during a routine inspection.
Police bomb disposal officers subsequently executed a Render Safe Procedure using the Hand Entry Technique to neutralize the device.
"The procedure was successfully completed without incident," the police reported, confirming that the operation "yielded a positive result for the presence of explosive components."
According to the police report, investigators recovered a 9V battery, a blasting cap, a clock, and a plastic jar containing a brown powder suspected to be explosive material.
Senate President Win Gatchalian strongly condemned the incident, calling it an attempt to create panic ahead of a major government event.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this apparent attempt to sow fear near the Senate on the very day our institutions gather for the State of the Nation Address,” Gatchalian said. “No such act of intimidation will distract the Senate from its work for the Filipino people.”
Gatchalian said he has directed the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to coordinate fully with the Philippine National Police and its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, while expressing relief that no one was injured.
Calling for a swift probe, he urged authorities to "determine who is responsible and what they intended to achieve," while appealing to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious activity.
"The perpetrators must be identified and held accountable under the law. We appeal to the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities," he ended.
