Philippine Senate Placed Under Lockdown After Gunshots as ICC Suspect Senator Dela Rosa Seeks Refuge
The Philippine Senate building in Manila was placed under lockdown early Wednesday evening after gunshots were reported, and military personnel were observed entering the premises. The precise origin of the gunfire remains unconfirmed, with no immediate reports of casualties.
The events unfolded as Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, facing an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his alleged role in extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte's 'war on drugs', had reportedly sought refuge inside the Senate. Dela Rosa, who previously served as national police chief, had earlier issued a public appeal for Filipinos to resist his impending arrest, though his current whereabouts are undisclosed.
ICC Charges and Duterte's Precedent
Dela Rosa is implicated by the ICC for the deaths of dozens during the anti-drug campaign, which saw thousands of alleged dealers killed. Former President Duterte has been detained at The Hague since March 2025, facing similar charges.
Television footage depicted police commandos in tactical gear entering the Senate, with anti-riot units establishing a perimeter. Outside, demonstrators called for Dela Rosa's immediate detention and transfer to stand trial alongside Duterte.
Dela Rosa's legal team has petitioned the Supreme Court to prevent his extradition. Duterte previously rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, citing the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber dismissed this argument last month, asserting jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2019, when the Philippines was still a signatory, thereby enabling Duterte's prosecution.
