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Senate under military lockdown after gunfire
Manila's Senate building was sealed off by security forces on Wednesday evening after gunshots rang out, with no reported injuries. The lockdown follows fears that Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), had sought refuge inside.
Senator's whereabouts unknown amid arrest warnings
Dela Rosa, a former national police chief, had earlier claimed his arrest was imminent and called on Filipinos to resist it. His current location remains unconfirmed, though military personnel were seen entering the Senate premises.
Authorities have not disclosed who fired the shots, but Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated no casualties occurred. He emphasized that forces were deployed to protect Dela Rosa, not arrest him, and relayed the message to the senator's family.
ICC charges link senator to Duterte's drug war
The ICC accuses Dela Rosa of involvement in the deaths of dozens during his tenure as police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign. The crackdown, which spanned 2016-2019, resulted in thousands of killings of suspected dealers.
Duterte, who withdrew the Philippines from the ICC's founding Rome Statute in 2019, has been detained in The Hague since March 2025. Last month, ICC judges ruled that the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member (2011-2019), clearing the way for his trial.
Protests and legal appeals escalate tensions
Demonstrators gathered outside the Senate, demanding Dela Rosa's detention and extradition to join Duterte in ICC custody. His legal team has petitioned the Supreme Court to block any extradition efforts.
Senate Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged the public to submit videos that might aid the investigation into the gunfire. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Security forces secure building; senators remain inside
Footage showed police commandos and anti-riot units surrounding the Senate, with Remulla confirming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the lockdown to ensure the safety of lawmakers. Senators remain inside the building as security operations continue.
"We are not here to arrest Senator Dela Rosa. We are here to protect him. Let that be clear."
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla
