Arroyo orders probe on blast in Palace

President Arroyo has directed Presidential Security Group (PSG) head Col. Delfin Bangit to determine the cause, motive and identities of the persons behind the explosion in the Malacanang grounds Monday noon. Mrs. Arroyo was having lunch with officials of the Intellectual Property Office at the Heroes’ Hall when the explosion occurred. Bangit said the explosion would not alter the President’s schedule of activities. “Tuloy ang mga activities ng Pangulo sa loob ng linggong ito, kasama na dito ang activities ng Edsa 1 anniversary," he said. He said initial investigation showed the explosion was not caused by any explosive, but probably by a chemical used for gardening, which was ignited by a lit cigarette but thrown around. PSG members suspect the explosion could have originated from the trees fronting the Mabini Hall and the Radio and Television Media office. -GMANEWS.TV