Philippine Senate lockdown after shots fired during ICC arrest attempt

Gunshots were heard inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday night as tensions escalated over attempts to arrest Senator Ronald Dela Rosa under an International Criminal Court warrant.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the incident during a Facebook livestream from inside the Senate complex.

“I don’t know what is happening. I do not know if I can keep my people safe here,” Cayetano said.

“I’m willing to go out. I’m willing to face anyone who is going to serve the warrant … but do not do this.”

Authorities said no casualties had been reported and it remains unclear who fired the shots.

The incident followed a failed attempt earlier this week by local investigators to arrest Dela Rosa, a close ally of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.

CCTV footage reportedly showed Dela Rosa running through Senate corridors on Monday as officers attempted to detain him.

Riot police later surrounded the Senate compound, where the senator has remained since.

The International Criminal Court accuses Dela Rosa of involvement in alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which killed thousands between 2016 and 2018.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla later entered the Senate building and said all senators inside were safe while authorities investigated the gunfire.