MANILA, Philippines – Cavite Mayor Romeo Ramos has boosted his bodyguards to ensure his security after he survived an assassination attempt last Wednesday.

An improvised explosive device was discovered attached to his vehicle’s rear wheel during a maintenance check in Imus.

The bomb had a cellphone as a triggering device and three blasting caps that could have triggered a powerful explosion.

Ramos said it was a miracle that the bomb was found. He now considers this his second life.

“Talagang milagro, papatayin nila talaga ako. Buti hindi ako sumama kung hindi diretso na ako doon,” said Ramos.

Political enemies

The mayor suspects that his political enemies may be involved in the slay attempt.

Ramos did not name names but in a text message, an anonymous city hall employee said Vice Mayor Lino Antonio Barron may be involved in the botched attack.

But Barron merely brushed off the allegations.

“Kung makakapaglabas sila ng ebidensiya na may kinalaman ako diyan, eh ‘di ilabas nila,” he said.

Barron said his party has yet to choose its candidate for mayor but added he would accept it if the party chooses to support Ramos again. -- Reports from Dominic Almelor, ABS-CBN News; ANC