PNP: Investigators have leads in IED cases during SONA 2026

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said investigators have developed leads in their investigation into the two improvised explosive device (IED) incidents that occurred on July 27, the day President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., speaking in an ambush interview, said investigators have been working around the clock to identify those behind the incidents.

“Ang ating mga investigators are continuously investigating. And we made some leads to that and we are pursuing it. Just like other cases, give us ample time,” he said.

(Our investigators are continuously investigating. We have developed some leads and are pursuing them. Just like in other cases, give us ample time.)

He said investigators have been working 24 hours a day on the case.

“Hindi natutulog ang ating mga investigators… Our police are working 24 hours. We have leads already,” he added.

(Our investigators are not sleeping… Our police are working 24 hours. We already have leads.)

To illustrate the pace of police investigations, the PNP chief cited the recent killing of a vlogger in Caloocan, saying police arrested suspects within days and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the crime.

On Monday, one IED exploded near the entrance of the Department of Justice in Manila while another was recovered outside the Senate in Pasay City amid heightened security for the President’s SONA.

The PNP has yet to identify the suspects publicly or disclose further details about the leads as the investigation continues. —KG, GMA News