Gunfire Erupts in Philippine Senate Amid Standoff Over ICC Arrest Warrant
Gunshots were heard in the Philippine Senate as Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity, remains under protective custody.
Gunshots echoed through the Philippine Senate building on Wednesday evening, intensifying the standoff involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is under an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity.
No casualties have been reported, and the source of the gunfire remains unclear. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the incident, stating, "I don't know what is happening. I do not know if I can keep my people safe here."
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into the incident, emphasizing that no government forces were involved. He stated, "Government forces did not do this. No soldiers, military personnel, or NBI agents entered the Senate."
Senator dela Rosa, a former national police chief and close ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, has been in the Senate building since Monday, seeking to avoid arrest following the unsealing of the ICC warrant. The warrant accuses him of responsibility for at least 32 killings between 2016 and 2018 during Duterte's anti-drug campaign.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla entered the Senate to assess the situation and assured that all senators inside were safe. He is working to determine who fired the shots.
The ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member, despite the country's withdrawal in 2019.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigation into the gunfire and the circumstances surrounding Senator dela Rosa's protective custody.