Philippines bomb blast near Justice Ministry and Senate before Marcos' SONA

A homemade bomb detonated shortly after midnight on Monday at the entrance of the Philippine Department of Justice. The explosion caused no casualties and damaged a vehicle windshield. Police said a second suspicious device was later found near the Senate building in Pasay City. The recovered device contained a blasting cap, clock, 9‑volt battery and a jar of brown powder, which were rendered safe by officers.

National Police chief Jose Melencio Nartinez Jr. said investigators believe the two incidents may be linked and are probing the circumstances ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address scheduled for later that day. The events occur amid heightened political tensions in the Philippines.