Gunfire Reported at Philippine Senate as Senator Accused by ICC Remains Holed Up Amid Arrest Standoff

MANILA, May 13: Tensions escalated in the Philippines Senate on Wednesday after reports of gunfire inside the building, where Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa remains holed up to evade arrest in connection with International Criminal Court (ICC) charges related to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs.”

Dela Rosa, 64, a close ally of Duterte and former national police chief, has been inside the Senate for two days after narrowly avoiding arrest when government agents pursued him through the building’s corridors earlier this week. He is accused by the ICC of crimes against humanity linked to the anti-drug campaign that left thousands dead.

According to local media reports, military personnel later entered the Senate premises, some carrying assault rifles, as chaotic scenes unfolded and gunfire was heard inside the complex. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, a Duterte ally, said in a video statement that the building was in lockdown and lawmakers and staff were unable to move freely, urging authorities to clarify the situation.

Dela Rosa has reportedly called on supporters and members of the armed forces to oppose his potential extradition, insisting on “peaceful support” and rejecting violence, while maintaining that he should not be handed over to foreign authorities.

The ICC previously issued an arrest warrant accusing him of authorising and supporting killings during the drug war campaign. Former President Duterte was arrested last year and transferred to The Hague to face similar charges.

The situation inside the Senate remains tense, with uncertainty over law enforcement operations and growing political divisions surrounding the case.