Gunfire erupted at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, causing panic among people present, as security forces entered the building following the imminent arrest of a prominent politician wanted by the International Criminal Court. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties, according to Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the former police chief known for leading President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs,” had called on supporters to prevent his arrest and transfer to the ICC. The Hague-based court recently issued an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on charges of crimes against humanity, similar to those faced by Duterte.
Denying any involvement in illegal killings, the 64-year-old senator sought assistance through a video posted on Facebook from his Senate office, where he has sought refuge under legislative protection since Monday. The chaos ensued when law enforcement officers, believed to be from the National Bureau of Investigation, attempted to enter the Senate and fired shots as they withdrew.
Contrary to initial reports, NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that no agents were deployed to the scene. Meanwhile, military personnel in camouflage fatigues, some armed with assault rifles, arrived at the Senate following a request for assistance in securing the facility.
Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla mentioned that investigations were ongoing to determine the source of the gunfire, and security footage would be reviewed. Assuring dela Rosa’s safety, he confirmed that no arrest was planned. The ICC’s prosecutor office declined to comment, and the court’s press office did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Dela Rosa, Duterte’s right-hand man during the violent anti-drug campaign, faced allegations of overseeing extrajudicial killings. Despite police denial of systematic murders, human rights groups have criticized the crackdown, with ongoing concerns about unreported casualties linked to vigilante attacks.
The Senate remained under tight security measures as protesters gathered outside, with calls for dela Rosa’s arrest. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured him that no government personnel were involved in the incident. Dela Rosa, who reappeared at the Senate after a prolonged absence, urged Marcos not to hand him over to the ICC and filed a petition with the Supreme Court to block any transfer attempts.
Insisting that any transfer to the ICC would be illegal due to the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, dela Rosa challenged the court’s jurisdiction over his case. Duterte’s impending trial at the ICC, stemming from his anti-drug campaign, marks a historic moment, with the former president maintaining his innocence.
Overall, the Senate incident highlighted the political tensions and legal complexities surrounding dela Rosa and Duterte’s controversial roles in the Philippines’ recent history.
