Gunfire erupted at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, causing panic as security forces entered the building following threats of imminent arrest by a high-profile politician wanted by the International Criminal Court. Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza confirmed there were no immediate casualties reported in the chaos that unfolded in Manila.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, had called on supporters to prevent his arrest and extradition to the ICC. The court recently issued an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on charges of crimes against humanity, similar to those faced by Duterte.
In a Facebook video plea from his Senate office, dela Rosa sought assistance to avoid being taken to The Hague. Law enforcement officers, believed to be from the National Bureau of Investigation, allegedly attempted to enter the Senate and fired shots before retreating, according to Mendoza.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag denied deploying any agents to the Senate, contradicting reports of a security presence. Military personnel in camouflage gear, some armed with rifles, were seen arriving at the scene to assist in securing the facility, as confirmed by the military’s public affairs office.
Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla stated that the identity of the individuals who fired shots was unclear and emphasized the need to review security footage. He assured dela Rosa of his safety and confirmed that no arrest would be made. Meanwhile, the ICC’s prosecutor office declined to comment on the unfolding events.
Dela Rosa, known as “Bato” in the Philippines, was Duterte’s chief enforcer during the anti-drug crackdown, which drew international criticism for alleged extrajudicial killings. The Philippine police have consistently denied accusations of systematic murders, attributing the deaths during drug operations to suspects resisting arrest.
The Senate remained heavily guarded as protesters gathered, with calls for dela Rosa’s arrest. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano received assurances from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that no government personnel were involved in the incident. Dela Rosa, who reemerged in public view after a hiatus, has urged Marcos not to surrender him to the ICC and filed a petition with the Supreme Court to block any potential transfer.
Dela Rosa contends that any move to extradite him to the ICC would be unlawful, citing the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Duterte’s unilateral decision to withdraw from the ICC in 2018 was prompted by the court’s examination of his anti-drug campaign. The ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during a country’s membership, setting the stage for Duterte to potentially face trial as the first Asian former head of state at the ICC.
