| |
MANILA - A powerful bomb ripped through a section of the Philippine House of Representatives on Tuesday, injuring at least six people including two lawmakers, officials said.
The explosion -- which occurred just after 8:00 pm (1200 GMT), shortly after most congressmen had left the premises -- destroyed part of the complex's south lobby, House Speaker Jose de Venecia told local radio.
"There is a bomb that exploded in the south wing of the Batasan complex," De Venecia said, adding that he had left the building just 10 minutes before the explosion, which sent concrete flying across the parking lot.
"Two congressmen so far are injured," De Venecia said, citing a preliminary report drafted by police and the House security staff.
The House speaker said he had ordered a "clean sweep" of the sprawling complex, located north of the capital Manila, to ensure "there are no other bombs that are left behind."
Congressman Joel Villanueva said less than 50 of the House's 275 members were left inside when the bomb exploded.
"It was a very huge explosion," Villanueva said. "We are stunned."
Manila police chief Geary Barias quickly deployed a team to cordon off the complex. Police have yet to comment on the cause of the explosion.
Last month, a blast tore through a shopping mall in Manila's financial district, leaving 11 people dead, more than 100 injured and sparking fears of further attacks.
Police initially thought a bomb was to blame, but later said the explosion was an industrial accident. - AFP/ir
|
