Palace ordered heightened security at all public spaces in the country after IED found near US Embassy.
The Malacañang Palace has ordered the implementation of heightened security measures at public places after an improvised explosive device (IED) was found near the United States Embassy in Manila.
This is following the confirmation of Manila Police District on Monday afternoon that parts of the IED was found near the embassy early Monday morning.
In a statement released, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said this measures include tighter security measures at ports and terminals.
“To ensure public safety in airports, seaports, bus and mass transport terminals, concerned transport agencies are instructed to increase the visibility and presence of uniformed personnel and heighten the screening of persons and luggage as part of our security vigilance,” Andanar said.
However, Andanar emphasized that the incident should not be a cause for alarm.
“The PNP is on top of the situation and shall beef up security measures in public places especially where there are big crowds,” he said.
“We assure the public that this incident should not be a cause for alarm. Business and work continue as normal,” Andanar added.
On Monday afternoon, MPD has confirmed that an improvised explosive device (IED) was found near the United States Embassy in Manila.
MPD chief Police Senior Superintendent Joel Coronel said in a radio interview that parts of the IED was found along the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard.
The said device include an 81-mm mortar, a 9-volt battery, cellular phone, a switch device and a blasting cap.
The reports says that the IED was found by a street sweeper who is a personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) in a trash can along the boulevard at past 7 a.m on Monday, November 8.
Street sweeper Ely Garcia said that they saw a cellular phone with black and red wires connected to a black circular object.
She said the phone and the circular object were covered with electrical and packing tapes.
