Explosion, gunshots rock MPD precinct

MANILA, Philippines -  An unidentified man hurled a grenade in front of a police precinct in Malate, Manila before dawn yesterday.

Closed-circuit television footage showed a man throwing the grenade in front of the Arellano police community precinct, followed by two gunshots at past 3 a.m.  Based on the recovered pieces, bomb experts said it was an MK2 fragmentation hand grenade.

Bystanders tried to catch the man but the suspect managed to escape.

Superintendent Erwin Margarejo, Manila Police District spokesman, said the incident could have been the handiwork of street gangs. “If this was an act of terrorist there could have been casualties,” he said.

A Toyota Fortuner (PDI-452) owned by a policeman, a Ford Everest and a motorcycle were among those that were damaged in the explosion.

A passenger jeepney and a car were hit by bullets and investigators are still trying to determine the type of gun that was used.