Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered a thorough investigation Tuesday into an explosion near the Department of Justice (DoJ) and an unexploded improvised device found outside the Senate.

Investigators are working to determine whether the two incidents are linked and were part of a coordinated effort to disrupt President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Monday.

“Evil will never triumph,” Nartatez said. “They tried but failed to disrupt SoNA. Now, it’s our turn to unmask all the people behind these two incidents. And we are committed to holding them responsible.”

The explosion occurred around midnight outside the DoJ building on Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila. Hours earlier, an unexploded improvised explosive device was recovered along Diokno Boulevard near the Senate in Pasay City.

Nartatez said investigators are reviewing security camera footage and gathering witness testimony to trace those who planted the devices. High-alert security deployments across key government facilities prevented further disruption during the president’s address, he added.

Police are coordinating with national intelligence agencies to identify suspects and establish a motive.

Separately, police released 12 minors to the Department of Social Welfare and Development after 51 people were detained during protests accompanying the address.

PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the remaining 39 adults remain in custody facing various charges. Nine are undergoing inquest proceedings, including two for alleged obstruction of justice and seven for malicious mischief, vandalism and disobedience.

One suspect is accused of punching a police captain during a rally along Commonwealth Avenue.