Philippine Senate in lockdown after gunshots fired

The Philippine Senate was locked down as military personnel entered the building where Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, wanted by the Internationl Criminal Court (ICC), had sought refuge.

Gunfire was reported, although officials have not disclosed the shooter, and no casualties have been confirmed.

Dela Rosa, accused by the ICC of involvement in extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, expressed his belief that an arrest was imminent.

Security personnel have assured that he is safe.

Dela Rosa’s arrest is disputed by government officials, including Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who stated that the purpose of their presence was to protect him and investigate the shooting.

Protests outside the Senate called for Dela Rosa’s detention and trial alongside Duterte, who has been in The Hague since March 2025.

Meanwhile, appeals to block Dela Rosa’s extradition have been filed in the Supreme Court.

The lockdown followed police commandos entering the building, with anti-riot units securing the perimeter.

Senate Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has requested that the public submit any helpful footage for the investigation.

Dela Rosa’s relationship with the current administration is complex, following a collapse in alliances between the Duterte family and President Bongbong Marcos, raising tensions further within the political landscape.

Despite Duterte’s refusal to recognize ICC proceedings, international judges have determined that his alleged crimes occurred while the Philippines was still a member of the ICC, allowing for potential legal actions against him.