Improvised bomb found near US embassy in Manila

From Rappler (Nov 28): Improvised bomb found near US embassy in Manila

(UPDATED) The improvised explosive device also had an 81 mm mortar which police say is 'the same' as the one used during the deadly September 2 bombing in Davao City



A portion of Roxas Boulevard was closed to traffic after an improvised explosive device (IED) was found near the US embassy in Manila early Monday morning, November 28.

The Manila Police District (MPD) bomb squad responded to a report of a "suspicious package" near the US embassy at around 6:50 am, which prompted police to cordon off the area, radio dzBB reported.

It was found inside a carton box on the sidewalk of Roxas Boulevard, which was later identified as a cellular phone and another electronic gadget.

The bomb squad then detonated the suspicious items, radio dzMM reported.

Police later confirmed that the item found was an IED. The IED, according to Chief Supt Oscar Albayalde, PNP NCR Regional Director, was composed of a blasting cap, a detonator, a cellular phone, and a 9-volt battery.

In addition, the package contained an 81 mm mortar, which Albayalde said was "the same" as the one found in the September 2 blast in Davao City.

He said that according to witnesses, a person riding a taxicab threw the package near the US embassy around 2 am, and was later found at around 6 am by a street cleaner.

The police also conducted a sweep of the area to check if there are other potential bombs in the area. The area was later declared safe and secure by the MPD.

"There is no threat, no cause for alarm as of now," Sr Supt Joel Coronel, MPD chief, said.

The incident prompted the closure of the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard from Kalaw to the embassy area at around 7:36 am. People were also prevented from going near the area.

The road was then reopened at past 9 am.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/153818-suspected-bomb-roxas-boulevard-manila