Gunfight Erupts Inside Philippine Senate
A fierce shootout occurred in the Philippine Senate on Wednesday evening as authorities attempted to apprehend a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Reports indicate that over a dozen shots were fired shortly after police and military personnel entered the parliamentary building. Journalists sought shelter as armed soldiers moved through the corridors. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but sources noted there was confusion about who initiated the gunfire.
Philippine Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, a recent ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, livestreamed from the scene, expressing uncertainty: “I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know if we can ensure safety here.” According to reports, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned that government forces were not attempting to invade and described the incident as a confrontation between armed groups and Senate security.
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, previously involved in the national police’s anti-drug operations during the Duterte administration, is currently facing a murder warrant linked to alleged crimes against humanity involving at least 32 victims from July 2016 to April 2018.
Dela Rosa has openly challenged the court’s authority, insisting, “We shouldn’t allow another Filipino to face The Hague after President Duterte.” This was part of a video shared on social media.
Earlier in the week, Cayetano stated he would pursue contempt charges against National Bureau of Investigation agents who attempted to arrest dela Rosa after he reportedly took refuge in the Senate’s main chamber.
Later on Wednesday, Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla entered the building, announcing that the warrant would not be enforced against dela Rosa. This standoff coincided with the recent impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter.
Rodrigo Duterte has been incarcerated at the ICC in The Hague since March 2025. While the Philippines withdrew from the court under the current administration, the ICC retains jurisdiction over actions taken from 2016 to 2019.
