Grenade found near fence of Morales' house

MANILA, Philippines - A grenade hidden inside a plastic canister was found yesterday near the fence of the house of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales in Muntinlupa City.

Police said Ricky Apostol, a security guard assigned at the Ombudsman’s house in Barangay Putatan, discovered a suspicious looking plastic bag near the perimeter fence just a few meters away from the main gate of the compound at about 3:30 p.m.

Apostol said he checked the contents of the bag and saw a green plastic canister inside with a note that read: “Pang densa kay CCM - nagmalakit.”

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, National Capital Region Police Office deputy chief for operations, said they are now seeking the help of linguists to decipher the note.

Apostol sought assistance from the Muntinlupa police that then dispatched an explosives and ordnance disposal team to the site.

When the police team opened the canister, they saw an M26 hand grenade with its pin still intact. The Ombudsman was not at home when the grenade was found.

Muntinlupa City police chief Senior Superintendent Ramiro Bausa said they have yet to identify any suspects in the incident.

Morales had testified against former chief justice Renato Corona in his impeachment trial.

They exchanged contradicting statements last Friday over allegations made by Corona that she was used as a tool by Malacañang in its bid to oust him. – With Non Alquitran, Michael Punongbayan