MANILA, Sept 1 — Three people were arrested after a bomb was found in a van parked at Manila's international airport, but there was no ongoing safety threat for travellers, authorities said today.

A utility vehicle containing an "improvised explosive device" was found at the airport's terminal three car park about 1:45 am (1745 GMT) today, said a short report released by the National Bureau of Investigation.

In brief comments to reporters, NBI director Virgilio Mendez refused to give many details about the incident, saying "there is an ongoing follow-up operation".

Other authorities involved in the investigation also declined to comment.

But the terminal, which serves domestic flights as well as international airlines, operated as normal on Monday and the Manila International Airport Authority said there were no continuing threats.

"(The authority) assures the public that (terminal three) and all other terminals remain safe and airport security personnel continue to stay vigilant in their respective areas," it said in a statement.

The initial National Bureau of Investigation said four suspects were arrested, but Mendez later said only three men were in custody. — AFP