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Eight dead in Philippines blast Eight dead in Philippines blast
(20 minutes later)
At least eight people have been killed in an explosion at a shopping centre in the Philippine capital, Manila.At least eight people have been killed in an explosion at a shopping centre in the Philippine capital, Manila.
The lunchtime blast shattered windows and sent debris crashing on to cars at the Glorietta shopping complex in the city's Makati financial district.The lunchtime blast shattered windows and sent debris crashing on to cars at the Glorietta shopping complex in the city's Makati financial district.
Some 70 people were hurt in the blast, the cause of which was not yet clear.Some 70 people were hurt in the blast, the cause of which was not yet clear.
Police initially said a gas cylinder had exploded, but discounted that theory. A police chief then said a bomb attack could not be ruled out.Police initially said a gas cylinder had exploded, but discounted that theory. A police chief then said a bomb attack could not be ruled out.
"I was told by officials of the explosives and ordnance disposal division that it could be a bomb, but it's not definite yet," National Police chief Avelino Razon told journalists."I was told by officials of the explosives and ordnance disposal division that it could be a bomb, but it's not definite yet," National Police chief Avelino Razon told journalists.
"All indications show it was not a LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) explosion," he said."All indications show it was not a LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) explosion," he said.
Police were still investigating and a general alert had been issued for the city, officials said.Police were still investigating and a general alert had been issued for the city, officials said.
'Sudden explosion''Sudden explosion'
The blast caused extensive damage to the shopping centre. Concrete blocks and planks fell from the roof and cars outside the mall were covered with debris.The blast caused extensive damage to the shopping centre. Concrete blocks and planks fell from the roof and cars outside the mall were covered with debris.
Philippine police are investigating the cause of the blast
The blast left a large crater on the ground floor of the popular shopping mall, said Makati City councillor JunJun Binay.The blast left a large crater on the ground floor of the popular shopping mall, said Makati City councillor JunJun Binay.
"From what I have seen it was a significant explosion and that most of the dead and injured were all employees," French news agency AFP quoted him as saying."From what I have seen it was a significant explosion and that most of the dead and injured were all employees," French news agency AFP quoted him as saying.
One of the injured, Christine Calope, said that there had been "a sudden explosion".One of the injured, Christine Calope, said that there had been "a sudden explosion".
"I don't know if it was inside or outside the mall," she said."I don't know if it was inside or outside the mall," she said.
Militants have targeted the Philippine capital in the past.Militants have targeted the Philippine capital in the past.
In 2004, more than 100 people died when militants from the Islamist Abu Sayyaf group - who are battling the military in the south of the country - blew up a passenger ferry in the capital.In 2004, more than 100 people died when militants from the Islamist Abu Sayyaf group - who are battling the military in the south of the country - blew up a passenger ferry in the capital.
And in February 2005, four people died in a bomb attack on a Manila bus.And in February 2005, four people died in a bomb attack on a Manila bus.