Construction workers found 40 World War II bombs while digging through the south wing extension of the United States Embassy compound in Manila Friday.

Officials said the construction workers found the bombs past 2 p.m. The discovery prompted embassy officials to close offices early while bomb disposal experts from Manila Police District Explosives and Ordnance Division gathered the bombs.

EOD officers said most of the bombs were rusted mortars and hit projectile bombs that could cause damage in a 100-meter radius.

An ABS-CBN Bandila report said the police will continue searching for more bombs at the embassy on Saturday.

Manila was the scene of heavy fighting and bombardment during World War II.