World War II bomb unearthed at church compound in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A World War II-era explosive device was unearthed at the compound of St. Jude Catholic Church in Malacañang Park, Manila, Monday afternoon.

Jefferson Larzan, a laborer of the Dynamic Construction Co., dug a heavily corroded 75-mm projectile while doing construction works at the church compound.

Arnold Santos, the chief of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Section of the Manila Police District, said that the bomb could still explode if not handled properly and cause damage to an area within a 20-meter radius.

The church compound, where a bell tower is being constructed in the area where the bomb was found, has been declared safe. However, there’s still a possibility of other explosive devices buried in the compound. “They should exercise caution and alert us if they spot suspicious objects,” Santos said.

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