Philippine Senate Locked Down After Gunshots Fired

The Senate of the Philippines was placed under lockdown on Wednesday after gunshots were heard outside the building in Manila, where Senator Ronald Dela Rosa had reportedly sought refuge amid fears of arrest linked to an International Criminal Court investigation.

Authorities confirmed that shots were fired near the Senate complex, though officials said there were no casualties and have not disclosed who opened fire.

Television footage showed heavily armed police commandos and anti-riot officers entering and surrounding the Senate building while lawmakers remained inside during the security lockdown.

Dela Rosa, a close ally of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, had earlier claimed he believed his arrest was imminent and urged supporters to resist any attempt to detain him.

The senator is accused by the ICC of involvement in alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, when Dela Rosa served as national police chief.

Thousands of suspected drug dealers and users were killed during the so-called “war on drugs,” which remains under international investigation for possible crimes against humanity.

Duterte himself has been detained in The Hague since March 2025 pending ICC proceedings.

Despite speculation surrounding a possible arrest operation, Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla denied that authorities were attempting to detain Dela Rosa.

“We are not here to arrest Senator Dela Rosa,” Remulla told reporters. “In fact, we are here to protect him.”

He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had issued “strict instructions” to ensure the safety of senators during the incident.

Officials said Dela Rosa remained safe and under security protection inside the Senate complex.

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the gunfire, while authorities continue investigating the incident.

Senate speaker Alan Peter Cayetano appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone with video footage of the shooting to share it with investigators.

Outside the Senate, protesters gathered demanding Dela Rosa’s detention and extradition to stand trial alongside Duterte.

The senator’s legal team has already petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines to block any extradition process.

The political crisis comes amid growing tensions between the Duterte family and the administration of Marcos.

Although the two political dynasties were once allies, their relationship collapsed two years ago and has since developed into a bitter feud.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives of the Philippines voted to begin impeachment proceedings against Vice-President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter.

The Senate, where Duterte allies still hold significant influence, has the authority to decide whether the impeachment effort succeeds.