The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating whether two improvised explosive device (IED) incidents near the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila and the Senate in Pasay City are connected.
In an ambush interview in Commonwealth, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities are examining who may be behind the incidents and the possible motive.
Nartatez said intimidation is among the angles being considered in the investigation.
The PNP chief stressed that authorities will not allow any attempt to sow fear or disrupt peace and order, particularly if the incidents are found to be related to terrorism.
Despite the two incidents, Nartatez said there has been no change in the police deployment for security operations surrounding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to the PNP, more than 20,000 police personnel have been deployed, with an additional 10,000 personnel, including members of the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingent, on standby to respond if necessary.
Nartatez said the overall security situation remains peaceful and expressed hope that calm conditions would continue throughout the remaining SONA-related activities.
He noted that the only disruptions reported involved arrests for various violations.
Meanwhile, the number of people arrested during rally-related activities has reached 51, including six individuals accused of committing vandalism hours before President Marcos’ SONA.
The PNP chief said those arrested allegedly violated local ordinances and special laws, including Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
Authorities continue investigating the IED incidents while maintaining security operations across Metro Manila.
