Gunshots in Philippine Senate as Dela Rosa Resists ICC Arrest
Gunshots fired in Philippine Senate where – Gunshots were heard in the Philippine Senate on Wednesday evening, marking a dramatic moment as Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, attempted to evade capture. The incident began when armed individuals tried to breach the Senate complex, prompting a quick response from security forces. While no injuries were initially reported, the exact cause of the gunfire remains under investigation. The Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms fired warning shots as the attackers retreated, though they later returned with additional volleys, creating a tense standoff.
ICC Warrant and Dela Rosa’s Legal Battle
Senator Dela Rosa, a prominent ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had been hiding within the Senate premises for two days before the confrontation. His evasion of local authorities became apparent after CCTV footage captured him moving through the building’s corridors on Monday. The ICC issued the arrest warrant earlier this week, citing 32 deaths linked to the anti-drug campaign between 2016 and 2018. Dela Rosa, 64, has remained inside the Senate complex since, claiming he needs a Supreme Court review to block enforcement of the warrant.
“Without the Supreme Court’s approval, the ICC has no right to take me into custody,” Dela Rosa said in a recent livestreamed press conference. The senator expressed that the situation represented “the lowest point of my life,” emphasizing his belief in the necessity of local legal validation for the arrest.
Security and Political Dynamics
Following the gunfire, authorities implemented lockdown protocols at the Senate building. Riot police cordoned off the complex and reinforced entry points, with interior secretary Jonvic Remulla entering the premises to evaluate the situation. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, a known supporter of Duterte, allowed Remulla access, assuring Dela Rosa that the arrest warrant would not be executed immediately. Remulla claimed the operation was not a government-ordered arrest, stating that the armed men were acting independently.
“I don’t know what is happening. I don’t know if I can keep my people safe here,” Cayetano admitted during a Facebook livestream, as steel doors were locked to prevent further intrusion. His comments reflected the growing tension between the Senate’s autonomy and the ICC’s authority, with officials pledging to protect Dela Rosa until legal proceedings resolve the matter.
Media and Public Reaction
A video from Philippine news outlet Rappler showed the gunfire echoing through the Senate halls. The footage, captured as reporters documented the security measures, depicted the ambiguity of the attack’s origin. Journalists fled the scene after multiple shots were fired, with police ordering an evacuation. As staff secured the building, Dela Rosa was reportedly trapped inside, raising questions about his ability to escape or resist further.
Due Process and International Scrutiny
The event has intensified discussions about due process, with Dela Rosa arguing the ICC must first present its warrant to the local Supreme Court. “They should bring the warrant before the court, let’s discuss it, and then we’ll face it,” he reiterated in a Tuesday livestream, asserting the ICC lacks jurisdiction without domestic approval. This aligns with Duterte’s defense of the anti-drug campaign, which has drawn global attention and criticism over its human rights implications.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has clarified that the arrest was not a government-ordered operation. “I did not instruct national police or the National Bureau of Investigation to act,” he stated on Wednesday night, underscoring the legal process ongoing. The motive behind the armed individuals’ actions remains unclear, with investigators examining whether their moves were a preemptive strike or a desperate attempt to avoid capture. As the situation unfolds, the Senate remains a focal point of both national and international interest.
