Death toll rises to six in Philippines blast

At least six people were killed and dozens of others injured when a powerful explosion rocked a crowded shopping centre in the capital of the Philippines today.

Police said they were not ruling out a bomb attack after the blast in Manila’s financial district.

The explosion caused extensive damage throughout the Glorietta 2 shopping complex in Makati, toppling roofs, destroying walls, and sending debris crashing on to cars outside.

At least six people were killed and as many as 70 others were injured, said Anthony Golez, spokesman of the National Disaster Co-ordinating Council.

“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 national police chief Avelino Razon.

Witnesses told radio stations they saw bloodied people being helped out and carried away in ambulances. An Associated Press photographer saw four bodies covered with blankets.

Metropolitan Manila police chief Geary Barias said an initial report suggested the blast was caused by a cooking gas tank in a mall restaurant. But hours later, he clarified that the explosion was not inside the restaurant but at the entrance to the mall and said police were investigating the cause.

“It’s too early to say if it’s terrorism-related,” he said.