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The improvised explosive device (IED) found in a trash bin just a few yards away from the United States Embassy in Manila was the same type used in the Sept. 2 bombing of a night market in Davao City, Manila police said on Monday.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said the IED found near the US Embassy had a blasting cap, detonator, cellphone, and a 9-volt battery as power source.
Albayalde said the 81-milimeter mortar found in the package “was the same found in Davao,” adding that it could have affected everything within its 100-meter radius had it exploded.
Citing witnesses, Albayalde said someone from a taxi cab threw the package at around 2 a.m., and was found and reported by a street sweeper around 6 a.m. Manila police have safely defused the bomb.
READ: Manila police safely defuse suspected bomb near US Embassy
In a brief statement, US Embassy press attache Molly Koscina confirmed the recovered IED and thanked the Philippine National Police for appropriate action.
“This morning a municipal employee reported the discovery of a device to US Embassy guards, who immediately contacted the police,” Koscina said. “We are thankful that the municipal employee and the PNP took quick and appropriate action to ensure the safety of all.” With reports from Aie Balagtas See, Philippine Daily Inquirer/CDG