Tensions exploded inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday evening when gunshots were heard during a developing standoff involving Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, as he sought to avoid arrest over allegations linked to crimes against humanity.
The disturbance unfolded inside the legislative complex while Dela Rosa, the former national police chief and one of the central figures in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, reportedly took refuge amid efforts to detain him under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), based in The Hague.
The situation marks a striking reversal for the ex-top law enforcer, who now risks being extradited to face trial alongside Duterte, who is already in ICC custody.
Chaos broke out as journalists stationed on the second floor were covering Senate proceedings when loud blasts suddenly echoed through the building, triggering panic that was broadcast live. Video footage later showed a windowpane damaged by multiple bullet impacts, although the exact source of the shots remains unclear.
According to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, unidentified armed individuals attempted to access the Senate’s second floor but were confronted by a member of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, who fired a warning shot. The group allegedly responded by retreating while discharging their weapons into the air. One suspect has since been arrested, according to police officials, with investigations ongoing. Authorities have confirmed there were no reported casualties.
Later in the evening, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation in a video statement, stressing that government forces were not involved in the incident. He said, “We do not know who attempted to enter and caused the shooting. We will find out,” while urging the public to remain calm as inquiries continue.
Remulla later entered the Senate after Senate leadership permitted access, assuring that Dela Rosa would not be served the arrest warrant inside the building. He also confirmed that a security sweep was underway and that all senators present were safe at the time.
Dela Rosa’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, posted a photo of himself with the senator on social media, confirming they were unharmed and dismissing claims that the shooting had been staged as a diversion to facilitate an escape.
The ICC has accused Dela Rosa of conspiring with Duterte in alleged crimes against humanity during the government’s anti-drug campaign, which left thousands dead. The court confirmed this week that an arrest warrant had been issued, citing incidents involving 32 killings between 2016 and 2018.
Known by the nickname “Bato,” Dela Rosa had largely avoided public appearances since November amid expectations of an impending warrant. After briefly reemerging during Senate sessions earlier this week, he was reportedly pursued by National Bureau of Investigation agents, prompting heightened security measures and lockdowns within the legislative compound.
Security camera footage previously showed him moving through corridors and stairwells inside the Senate as authorities closed in, while supporters gathered outside the premises. Hours before Wednesday’s shooting incident, he released a video appeal urging supporters to assemble for a vigil, saying, “Help me,” while maintaining that the ICC lacks jurisdiction and insisting he should not be transferred to The Hague.
Dela Rosa, a former police chief who rose through the ranks under Duterte’s leadership in Davao, is closely associated with the controversial “Oplan Tokhang” anti-drug strategy. Human rights groups have long accused the campaign of enabling extrajudicial killings that expanded nationwide during Duterte’s presidency, allegations both he and Dela Rosa have consistently denied.
Police data estimates more than 6,000 deaths during anti-drug operations following Duterte’s election in 2016, though independent observers believe the real figure may be significantly higher, particularly in poorer communities where most victims were reportedly concentrated.
Duterte himself was arrested at Manila’s international airport in March 2025 and transferred to The Hague, where he remains in ICC custody awaiting trial. He has repeatedly rejected allegations of human rights abuses and maintains that drug enforcement should remain under domestic jurisdiction, refusing to recognize the ICC’s authority.
