Saturday, October 20, 2007 (Philippines)

Glorietta II in Makati City (top) was a scene of destruction, injuries, and death when a blast “caused by an explosive material” killed at least eight people and left 89 others wounded in the popular shopping mall. The incident also set off alarms in other parts of the country, including Central Visayas where police are on red alert. (AP Photo) MANILA - A powerful explosion rocked a crowded shopping mall in Makati City yesterday afternoon, killing at least eight and injuring scores of others, and police said they were not ruling out a bomb attack. The blast caused extensive damage throughout the Glorietta 2 shopping complex in the financial district, toppling roofs, destroying walls, and sending debris crashing onto cars outside. At least eight people were killed and as many as 89 others were injured, said National Capital Regional Police Chief Geary Barias. “I was told by officials of the explosives and ordnance disposal division that it could be a bomb but it’s not definite yet,” said PNP Director General Avelino Razon Jr. [full story]