PO3 Arnold Yanga, of the Explosives Ordnance Division-Manila Police District (EOD-MPD), said they recovered a M-67 clayble round grenade under a parked delivery Elf van that carried assorted merchandise.
At around 1:20 p.m., there were several shoppers walking near the Tutuban Shopping Mall along C.M. Recto Avenue when a passing motorcycle rider allegedly dropped the grenade beside the van.
Initial investigation showed that the explosive rolled under the vehicle, causing a commotion in the area.
The suspect was last seen fleeing toward Tondo.
The EOD-MPD arrived some 10 minutes after the incident, immediately cordoned off the area and carried the grenade a few meters from the truck, which was parked in front of a drugstore.
The policemen assigned at the Moriones sub-station were also present.
They wrapped the explosive inside several layers of styrofoam, newspapers and cloth to prevent it from causing damage once its detonated.
The police are still conducting a follow-up investigation on the incident.