Blasts in Philippines police camp

A petrol station was heavily damaged by the blasts

Huge blasts have ripped through the ammunition depot of a police camp on the outskirts of the Philippine capital, Manila.

Four people were injured at Camp Bagong Diwa, a senior police officer was quoted as saying by local media.

The evening blasts - believed to be accidental - set fire to the armoury building and caused panic among residents, reports say.

The police camp also houses a prison for suspected Islamic militants.

The blasts happened at about 2315 local time (1515 GMT), officials and witnesses said.

Philippines police chief Arturo Lomibao, who went to the scene, said two police officers and two civilians were wounded by the explosions.

"I'd like to report... that this is an accident based on initial findings," Mr Lomibao told GMA television.

"This is not a hostile attack or a terrorist attack and the situation has been stabilised."

A local petrol station was heavily damaged.

The explosions happened shortly after the military was placed on high alert, following President Gloria Arroyo's departure to New York to attend UN meetings.

In 2004, several buildings were destroyed by blasts and fire at the national police headquarters in Camp Crame.