35 wounded in explosion outside De la Salle University

MANILA, Philippines - At least 35 people were hurt as an explosion marred the last day of Bar examinations at the De la Salle University (DLSU) on Taft Avenue, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Police said a loud explosion occurred just as examinees were leaving the DLSU building at around 5 p.m.

Of those hurt, 17 were taken to Ospital ng Maynila, five to the Manila Medical Center, three to the Manila Doctors Hospital, nine to Philippine General Hospital, and one to the Manila Adventist Medical Center.

The names of the victims were not immediately available.

Manila Police District (MPD) investigator Police Officer 3 Clarmen Dimatulac said the incident created panic as hundreds of students scampered away from the scene.

Dimatulac said they were investigating whether a pillbox was thrown into the crowd by unidentified persons or fireworks caused the explosion in front of the DLSU.

Initial reports at the National Capital Region Police Office said the incident stemmed from a conflict between the Tau Gamma Phi and the Alpha Phi Omega fraternities. But other reports said there was a celebration outside the DLSU campus and some supporters of examinees used fireworks.

NCRPO chief Director Leocadio Santiago ordered MPD’s Explosive and Ordnance Division and Scene of the Crime Operatives to determine whether an improvised explosive device was used.

Santiago directed MPD officer Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla to check hospitals where the victims were taken and gather evidence like metallic substance or bottle parts taken by the doctors from the victims.

The explosion happened at the end of the four-weekend Bar exams which 5,012 law graduates took.

The Supreme Court earlier had assured the examinees that ample security was in place.