Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday called for tighter security following an explosion near the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the recovery of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) near the Senate complex hours before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the need for increased vigilance, stressing that security for the President must always be maintained at the highest level. "Kahit may pagsabog o walang pagsabog, dapat ang proteksyon sa Pangulo ay to the maximum level (Whether there is an explosion or not, protection for the President must be at the maximum level)," Castro told reporters at Batasan Pambansa where Marcos is expected to deliver his penultimate SONA at around 4 p.m.
She mentioned that she had not discussed the incidents with President Marcos but insisted that law enforcement authorities should further tighten security measures. "Hindi kami nagkausap ng Pangulo, but definitely 'yung mga kapulisan natin dapat mas matindi ang pag-iingat at seguridad (I have yet to speak with the President about that, but our police force definitely needs to exercise much greater caution and ensure tighter security)," she stated.
The remarks followed an explosion, believed to have been caused by an IED, which occurred near the entrance of the DOJ's main office along Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila at around 12:17 a.m. on Monday. The DOJ confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit promptly responded to secure the area and conduct a technical examination.
Authorities are currently reviewing closed-circuit television footage as part of an ongoing investigation to determine the source and circumstances surrounding the explosion.
In a separate incident, authorities recovered a suspected IED near the Senate compound, leading to heightened security measures ahead of the President's annual address before a joint session of Congress. Thousands of police, military personnel, and force multipliers were deployed across Metro Manila, particularly around the Batasang Pambansa Complex, to secure the President, lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, and the public during one of the country's largest annual security operations.
Authorities have yet to establish whether the two incidents were connected, as investigations remain ongoing.
