Manila, Philippines – Gunshots were heard inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, May 13, setting off panic in the building as tension rose over the possible arrest of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court.
According to a Reuters live update from its Asia-Pacific coverage of the incident at the Philippine Senate in Manila, confusion unfolded after shots rang out inside the building while law enforcement activity and heightened security were already in place. Reuters reported that the situation remained unclear in the immediate aftermath.
Confusion Inside the Senate
Reuters journalists at the scene said volleys of gunshots were heard and people were told to take cover. It was not immediately clear who fired the shots or what triggered the gunfire.
Before the shooting, Reuters reporters saw more than 10 military personnel in camouflage arrive at the Senate building. Some were carrying assault rifles. The reason for their presence was not immediately explained in the report.
Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza later told reporters that no casualties had initially been reported. He said the situation was still being assessed after an undetermined number of law enforcers attempted to enter the building.
Dela Rosa Says Arrest Was Near
The confrontation came as dela Rosa said on Facebook earlier Wednesday that his arrest was imminent. He had been staying in his legislative office after taking refuge there since Monday.
Reuters said dela Rosa had remained inside his office following the unsealing of an ICC arrest warrant linked to allegations of crimes against humanity. The warrant is tied to his alleged role in the drug war carried out under former President Rodrigo Duterte, where dela Rosa served as a key police official.
The Reuters report noted that dela Rosa has previously denied involvement in illegal killings.
ICC Warrant and Government Response
The live update said the ICC had unsealed the warrant for dela Rosa’s arrest on suspicion of crimes against humanity. The development heightened pressure around the Senate, where allies had placed him under protective custody earlier in the week.
Later on Wednesday, Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said dela Rosa would not be arrested. Reuters reported that Remulla said the senator was safe and wanted to rest in his chambers.
Remulla also said he had assured dela Rosa that no arrest warrant would be served. Non-essential staff were asked to leave the Senate building as authorities managed the situation.
Situation Still Unclear
As of Reuters’ latest update, key questions about the gunfire remained unanswered, including who fired the shots. But the immediate official word was that no casualties had been reported and dela Rosa would not be taken into custody that day.
The incident added a dramatic turn to an already tense standoff inside one of the country’s most important government institutions.