Senate Lockdown Following Gunfire
The Philippine Senate is currently under lockdown after rounds of gunfire were reported inside the building. Military personnel have been observed entering the premises where Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), had taken refuge.
It remains unclear who fired the shots, but officials have confirmed that there have been no casualties.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa had earlier expressed his belief that his arrest was imminent and called on Filipinos to prevent it. His current location is unknown.
He faces accusations from the ICC related to the deaths of dozens of individuals during his tenure as police chief amid former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, a campaign in which thousands of alleged drug dealers were reportedly shot and killed. Duterte has been detained at The Hague since March 2025.
Security Measures and Public Response
Television footage captured police commandos dressed in fatigues entering the Senate building in Manila early Wednesday evening. Anti-riot police equipped with shields and helmets were seen securing the perimeter.
Outside the Senate, protesters demanded the detention of Dela Rosa, urging that he be sent to stand trial alongside Duterte.
Dela Rosa's legal team has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court seeking to block his extradition.
The Senate building has remained locked down since the gunfire, with senators confined inside.
Official Statements
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the president had issued "strict instructions" to ensure the safety of the senators.
"We are not here to arrest Senator Dela Rosa. In fact, we are here to protect him. Let that be clear. I made that clear to his family."
Remulla also noted that no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
Senate Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano appealed to the public to submit any videos that might assist in the investigation.
Legal Context and ICC Proceedings
Former President Duterte has refused to recognize the ICC proceedings, asserting that the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty, in 2019 during his presidency.
However, last month, judges from the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber dismissed this argument, stating that the alleged crimes occurred between 2011 and 2019, a period when the Philippines was still a member of the ICC. This ruling allows for Duterte to face trial.
Additional reporting by Simon Fraser and Ella Kipling.
