Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa talks to reporters at the Senate in Manila, on May 13, 2026.
Tension erupted at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday after gunshots rang out as police and military personnel moved to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity.
Journalists and staff inside the legislative building were forced to take cover as more than a dozen shots were heard during the late afternoon operation. It remains unclear who fired the gunshots or whether there were any casualties.
According to witnesses, armed police and Philippine marines wearing tactical gear entered the Senate building shortly before the incident, as security forces attempted to detain the senator.
Senator dela Rosa, a former national police chief and close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had earlier said he expected to be arrested. In a video message posted on Facebook, he appealed for public support, urging Filipinos to prevent his transfer to The Hague.
“I am appealing to you… do not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague,” he said, referring to the ICC headquarters in the Netherlands.
Dela Rosa, widely known by his nickname “Bato,” has been under Senate protective custody since earlier this week when law enforcement first arrived at the building. He reappeared publicly on Monday, insisting he was ready to face legal proceedings within the Philippines rather than abroad.
The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant for the senator on Monday, linked to allegations connected to the controversial “war on drugs” campaign carried out under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte himself is currently facing trial at the ICC over similar charges after his arrest last year.
As police gathered outside the Senate, Senate security officials confirmed heightened activity in anticipation of the arrest. Officials have not yet clarified how the situation escalated into gunfire.
Dela Rosa has denied involvement in any unlawful killings, insisting that police operations under his leadership targeted armed suspects who resisted arrest. He has also maintained that he served the country with integrity.
The senator played a central role in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, during which thousands of suspects were killed in police operations and vigilante-style attacks. Human rights groups estimate the death toll at more than 6,000, while police maintain that those killed were armed and resisted arrest.
The ICC case marks one of the most significant legal challenges yet against senior figures linked to the drug war, which remains one of the most controversial chapters in recent Philippine political history.
Authorities say investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing, while the Senate has yet to issue a full statement on the gunfire incident inside its premises.
