Gunfire Erupts in Philippine Senate Amid ICC Arrest Standoff

May 13, 2026

66 min

May 13, 2026 13:31

Shots heard at Philippine Senate as lawmaker wanted by ICC holds out

## Shots Fired in Senate

Gunfire was reported inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday as Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), continued to resist arrest. The incident caused panic among journalists present, who sought cover after hearing at least five shots.

## Military Presence

The shots were heard shortly after soldiers equipped with rifles and protective gear entered the legislative building. Dela Rosa, a former police chief and key figure in ex-President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial drug war, has been inside the Senate since Monday, seeking to avoid extradition to the Netherlands.

## Political Tensions

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, an ally of Dela Rosa, described the situation as an attack during a Facebook livestream. Another ally, Senator Robin Padilla, was seen urging journalists to leave the premises.

## Dela Rosa's Plea

Dela Rosa, known as "Bato," has called on military colleagues and former classmates to oppose his extradition. He argues that the current government should not hand him over to international authorities. His location within the Senate remains unclear.

## Background

Dela Rosa served as police chief from 2016 to 2018, during which time Duterte's anti-drug campaign resulted in thousands of deaths, drawing criticism from human rights groups. Duterte himself was arrested last year and is currently detained in the Hague, awaiting trial.

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