A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered near the Philippine Senate building in Pasay on Monday, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was due to deliver his annual State of the Nation Address, according to local media.
The Senate’s Special Security Unit found the suspicious item during a routine inspection at around 8 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), broadcaster ABS-CBN News reported.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Pasay Police was called to the scene and later safely neutralised the suspected device.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Earlier on Monday, a separate explosion, believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device, occurred near the entrance to the Department of Justice in Manila.
The Justice Ministry said no casualties were reported.
The Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit conducted a technical examination of the blast site.
“Investigation is ongoing to determine the source, nature, and circumstances surrounding the explosion,” the ministry said, adding that the situation was under control and the Justice Department compound remained secure.
According to the Philippine News Agency, around 20,000 police officers were deployed to maintain security during President Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address in Quezon City.