‘15 Shots, Utter Panic': Gunfire Erupts At Philippine Senate During Dramatic ICC Arrest Operation | Video

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 20:14 IST

The operation was linked to Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former Philippine police chief and close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

More than a dozen gunshots rang out inside the Philippine Senate as police and marine units moved in to arrest a sitting senator wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. Journalists inside the building described scenes of chaos as security forces stormed the legislative complex, forcing reporters and staff to run for cover amid the sudden outbreak of gunfire.

Al Jazeera reported that approximately 15 shots were heard as armed personnel in tactical gear advanced up the stairs of the Senate building, triggering an immediate evacuation order.

It was not immediately clear who fired the shots and authorities have not confirmed any injuries at the time of reporting. Security forces quickly secured the premises following the incident.

The operation was linked to Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former Philippine police chief and close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Ronald dela Rosa had earlier indicated he expected to be detained and appealed publicly for supporters to block his arrest, warning against his possible transfer to The Hague. In a video posted on Facebook, he said, “I am appealing to you. I hope you can help me. Do not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague."

The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Ronald dela Rosa over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration’s controversial “war on drugs". The warrant, unsealed places him in the same legal category as former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is already facing proceedings in The Hague.

Ronald Dela Rosa, widely known by his nickname “Bato," served as Duterte’s top police official during the anti-drug campaign.

What Happened During Senate Standoff?

According to Senate officials, law enforcement agents had already begun gathering outside the building earlier in the day. Ronald Dela Rosa had been under Senate protective custody since Monday, when authorities first attempted to execute the warrant. He later appeared publicly inside the chamber, where he insisted he had “worked faithfully" and denied involvement in unlawful killings. He said, “I did everything for the country. I did not enrich myself. I worked faithfully."

News world ‘15 Shots, Utter Panic': Gunfire Erupts At Philippine Senate During Dramatic ICC Arrest Operation | Video

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