Tensions erupted at the Philippine Senate after gunshots were heard inside the complex while Senator Ronald dela Rosa resisted a possible arrest linked to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant over the country’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
The dramatic incident unfolded after dela Rosa, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, urged supporters to prevent authorities from taking him into custody. Chaos quickly spread throughout the Senate building as security forces in flak jackets surrounded the premises and the complex was placed under lockdown.
Dela Rosa, popularly known by his nickname “Bato,” served as chief of the Philippine National Police from 2016 to 2018 and was considered the main enforcer of Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. The campaign led to the deaths of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users, with international rights groups accusing authorities of carrying out extrajudicial killings.
The ICC recently unsealed an arrest warrant against dela Rosa, accusing him of crimes against humanity connected to the anti-drug operations. Duterte himself was arrested earlier this year and transferred to The Hague following similar charges.
Seeking protection, dela Rosa took refuge inside the Senate and filed a petition before the Supreme Court to block local authorities from implementing the ICC warrant. However, the court declined to issue an immediate temporary restraining order and instead ordered the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to respond within 72 hours.
The situation escalated Wednesday evening when dela Rosa went live on Facebook claiming he had received information that authorities were preparing to arrest him.
“I am calling for your help. Let us not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague like President Duterte,” he said during the livestream.
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots rang out inside the Senate complex, triggering panic among lawmakers, staff and journalists. Television footage showed people running for cover as heavily armed police and military personnel secured the area.
Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza alleged that agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) attempted to enter the building and fired shots while retreating. However, the NBI later denied deploying agents to the Senate.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla later arrived at the Senate and met with lawmakers, insisting he was not there to arrest dela Rosa. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano later confirmed that no injuries were reported, though investigations into the shooting remain ongoing.
President Marcos appealed for calm in a public video statement, saying authorities would fully investigate the incident and determine whether it was linked to attempts to destabilize the government.
The dramatic standoff comes amid growing political tensions in the Philippines. Vice-President Sara Duterte, daughter of Rodrigo Duterte and a major political rival of Marcos, was recently impeached by the House of Representatives over allegations of corruption and threats against the president.
The Senate, where dela Rosa and several Duterte allies now hold influence, is expected to serve as the impeachment court for Sara Duterte’s case. Political analysts say the ongoing power struggle reflects the deepening feud between the Duterte and Marcos families, whose alliance collapsed after jointly winning the 2022 elections.
Police confirmed the day after the shooting that at least one suspect had been detained in connection with the gunfire incident as investigations continue.