Gunshots were heard inside the Philippine Senate building on Wednesday following a chaotic attempt to arrest Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Incident Details and Aftermath
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the gunfire incident on Wednesday. However, no casualties were reported, according to Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza.
- Cayetano expressed concern during a Facebook livestream, stating, “I don’t know what is happening. I do not know if I can keep my people safe here.”
- The incident occurred after local authorities pursued Dela Rosa through the Senate halls earlier in the week.
Background: The ICC Warrant
The unrest stems from an arrest warrant issued by the ICC for Senator Dela Rosa. Prosecutors at the ICC accuse Dela Rosa of conspiring with former President Rodrigo Duterte in alleged crimes against humanity related to the anti-drug campaign.
- The ICC confirmed issuing the warrant citing incidents where 32 people were killed between 2016 and 2018.
- Dela Rosa has remained within the Senate compound since Monday.
Escalation of Events
The situation escalated on Monday when Dela Rosa was captured on CCTV running from local agents through the Senate halls. When local investigative unit officers were unable to arrest the 64-year-old, riot police surrounded the Senate compound.
On Wednesday night, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Jonvic Remulla, entered the Senate building, with Cayetano allowing his entry. Remulla assured the media that all senators inside were safe and that efforts were underway to determine the source of the gunfire.
