Gunshots fired in Philippine Senate, where senator wanted by ICC is resisting arrest
Gunshots Fired in Philippine Senate as ICC-Wanted Senator Resists Arrest
Gunshots fired in Philippine Senate where – Gunshots were fired inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, marking a dramatic moment in the ongoing standoff involving Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The incident unfolded as authorities attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Dela Rosa, who had been hiding in the legislative building for days. Though no injuries were reported, the sudden exchange of fire highlighted the tension surrounding his refusal to surrender. Known by his nickname “Bato,” Dela Rosa has become a focal point of debate as he remains in the Senate compound, evading capture.
Armed Individuals Attempt to Enter Senate
Security forces encountered resistance as they tried to access the Senate’s second floor, where Dela Rosa was taking cover. Unidentified armed men were spotted attempting to breach the building, but a member of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms intercepted them, leading to a brief confrontation. The first shot was fired as a warning, followed by a flurry of activity as the armed individuals retreated, firing rounds into the air before disappearing into the night. The exact source of the gunfire remains under investigation, with cameras capturing the chaos and journalists scrambling for safety amid the commotion.
Video footage from Monday shows Dela Rosa darting through Senate corridors, evading local agents in a high-stakes chase. The incident prompted immediate lockdowns, with riot police surrounding the building to prevent any escape. Gunshots echoed through the halls, creating a sense of urgency as officials worked to secure the area. The footage, shared by Rappler, underscores the unpredictability of the situation, with Dela Rosa’s movements and the security response becoming central to the unfolding narrative.
President Marcos Clarifies No Federal Involvement
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. swiftly addressed the situation, stating that no federal personnel were involved in the arrest attempt. He emphasized the importance of due process, asserting that the government had not deployed forces to serve the ICC warrant directly. This clarification comes as Dela Rosa, a longtime ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, faces charges related to alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. The president’s comments aim to reassure the public about the legality of the proceedings.
Prosecutors at the ICC cited 32 deaths between 2016 and 2018 as justification for the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. The former police officer, who gained prominence under Duterte’s leadership, has remained in the Senate compound since Monday. His legal team is now petitioning the Philippine Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order to delay his transfer. Marcos added that the Supreme Court’s process is ongoing, and the Interior Secretary had no explicit order to proceed with the arrest immediately.
Interior Secretary Enters Senate Amid Tension
Jonvic Remulla, the interior secretary, entered the Senate building later that evening after the gunfire had subsided. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano allowed his entry, signaling a coordinated effort to resolve the crisis. Remulla assured Dela Rosa that the arrest warrant would not be enforced right away, offering a temporary reprieve. He also announced that a security sweep would be conducted, enabling people to exit the building once confirmed as non-suspects.
Cayetano had previously expressed concern on a Facebook livestream, warning of the risks posed by the situation. He stated,
“I don’t know what is happening. I do not know if I can keep my people safe here.”
The senator vowed to resist any force attempting to serve the warrant, declaring,
“I’m willing to face anyone who is going to serve the warrant … but do not do this.”
Despite his efforts, the atmosphere of tension lingered as the government pressed forward with its plans.
Dela Rosa’s Resistance and Legal Arguments
Dela Rosa, a steadfast supporter of Duterte, has been in hiding for two nights, according to local reports. During a live-streamed press conference, he appealed to officials not to send him to The Hague for trial, arguing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction unless the Philippine Supreme Court endorses the warrant. This claim has sparked discussion among legal experts, some supporting his position and others criticizing it as insufficient.
In the press conference, Dela Rosa appeared emotionally drained, describing the moment as “the lowest point of my life.” He stated,
“I will face it, as long as they follow the proper process. If there is a legitimate warrant of arrest, they should bring it before the local court. Let’s discuss it, and we will face it.”
His words reflect the broader legal and political debate over the ICC’s authority and the implications of the senator’s resistance for the country’s judicial system. The incident continues to capture national attention, with officials balancing law enforcement action and the need for procedural fairness.
