Blast Injures 13 at Election Rally in Philippines

An explosion ripped through a crowded campaign rally in jailed former President Joseph Estrada’s home district Thursday, injuring 13 people.

The rally in the San Juan district of Manila was being held for candidates of the Liberal Party, part of the government’s ruling “people power” coalition, ahead of Monday’s local and congressional elections.

The explosion came from under a vehicle delivering food to the crowd as fireworks were being set off, said Jesus Dancel, a local police officer. The vehicle was about four yards from the stage where the candidates were speaking.

Four vehicles were damaged. Hospitals reported that most of the injuries appeared to be minor, but local radio reported that one person was seriously injured. It was unclear if the explosion was an accident or the result of foul play.

The explosion came hours after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said two opposition Senate candidates accused of plotting a coup could come out of hiding and campaign without threat of arrest.

The move permits Sen. Gregorio Honasan, seeking reelection, and former National Police Chief Panfilo Lacson to join their political party’s final campaign push.

The balloting also is seen as a proxy war to determine the extent of public support for Arroyo and Estrada.

The government has accused Honasan and Lacson--along with nine other associates of Estrada--of orchestrating a rebellion to topple Arroyo. Six days of opposition protests ended with a riot May 1 that left six dead and more than 100 injured. Both have denied being involved in plans to disrupt the elections.

Arroyo agreed Thursday to grant safe-conduct passes for the two, at the request of Agapito Aquino, a spokesman for the opposition coalition.

Interior Secretary Jose Lina, who has jurisdiction over the National Police, assured Aquino that there were no pending warrants for the two men’s arrest.

Police have said that they were preparing to file charges against the two in connection with what authorities allege was a failed power grab.