The Philippine Senate building in Manila was placed under lockdown Wednesday evening following reports of gunfire, with military personnel and police commandos seen entering the premises. While rounds of shots were heard, officials quickly confirmed there were no casualties. The incident unfolded as Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), was present inside the legislative complex, having previously expressed concerns about his imminent arrest.

Senator Dela Rosa faces accusations from the ICC related to the killing of dozens of individuals during his tenure as police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte. These alleged crimes are linked to Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs,” which resulted in thousands of deaths of suspected drug dealers. Former President Duterte himself is currently facing proceedings at The Hague, with ICC judges having recently rejected arguments that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 negated the court’s jurisdiction. The ICC ruled that the alleged offenses occurred between 2011 and 2019, a period when the Philippines was still a signatory to the court’s founding agreement. Dela Rosa’s legal team has appealed to the Supreme Court to block any potential extradition.

Outside the Senate building, anti-riot police secured the perimeter as protesters gathered, demanding Dela Rosa’s detention and calling for him to stand trial alongside Duterte. Despite the volatile situation, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that government forces were present to protect, not arrest, Senator Dela Rosa, stating he had received “strict instructions” from the president to ensure the safety of all senators. Remulla also confirmed that no arrests had been made in connection with the gunshots. Senate Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged the public to provide any video evidence that could assist in the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident.