Early Monday, a homemade explosive device detonated near the entrance of the Philippine Department of Justice, causing minor property damage but no injuries. The blast occurred just hours before a second suspected explosive was discovered near the Senate building. Authorities are currently investigating the connection between the two incidents, with National Police Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. suggesting a high probability that the events are linked. While police had safety protocols in place, officials admitted the device managed to bypass security measures, leaving authorities scrambling to determine the scale of the explosion.

The second device was flagged by a tow truck driver near the Senate, leading to a swift response from explosive ordnance disposal teams who recovered a blasting cap, a timer, and mysterious chemical materials. These security breaches come at a sensitive time for the nation as President Ferdinand Marcos prepares to deliver his annual State of the Nation address. With the country already reeling from a high-profile impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte and public outrage over local corruption scandals, these explosions have further intensified the already strained political atmosphere in Manila.