Purported Philippine Military Group Says Responsible for Blast

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Feb. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Two groups claiming to comprise Philippine military officers said they were behind an explosion in the presidential compound that caused no injuries or damage to buildings. Officials said the blast may have been accidental.

The blast occurred just after noon local time in a trash bin in the compound of Malacanang Palace in the capital, Manila, Presidential Security Group Commander Delfin Bangit said in a phone interview. The peso had its biggest drop in four weeks.

The explosion was ``an expression of our determination and will to end the illegitimate and corrupt administration,'' of President Gloria Arroyo, according to a fax received at the palace press office. The senders said they were made of two groups, the Young Officers Union and the Reformist Armed Forces of the Philippines,

The blast raised concerns about moves to oust Arroyo. The opposition last year demanded her resignation and tried to impeach her on allegations she cheated in the 2004 election. In December and January, three soldiers on trial for a 2003 mutiny escaped, vowing to resume their efforts to oust Arroyo.

Bloomberg