Overview
- Law enforcers moved to carry out an International Criminal Court warrant Wednesday, prompting reports of gunfire inside the Senate as Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa refused to surrender.
- Journalists and staff were ordered to evacuate, parts of the complex were locked down, and Senate security lowered steel doors to secure the building.
- Officials reported no confirmed injuries, and investigators have not determined who fired, with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla saying all senators were safe.
- Dela Rosa has remained inside the chamber since Monday, drew support from allied senators who blocked arrest efforts, and earlier urged civilians to gather outside to oppose his detention.
- The ICC alleges he was an indirect co‑author in 32 killings from 2016 to 2018 during Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, while domestic rules for arresting a senator inside the legislature have slowed enforcement of the warrant.