Gunfire Erupts at Philippine Senate Amid Dela Rosa ICC Tensions

MARINES IN ACTION. Armed Philippine Marines troops guard the Senate premises after a volley of gunshots was fired, prompting a security lockdown on Wednesday evening (May 13, 2026). The incident came amid tensions surrounding the supposed warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court against Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who is now under the protective custody of the Senate. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

Gunfire and confusion erupted at the Philippine Senate building on the evening of May 13, 2026, during a tense standoff involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

According to multiple international news reports, shots were heard inside or near the Senate complex in Pasay City as security forces and authorities responded to the escalating situation. No injuries or fatalities were immediately reported.

The incident followed days of tension after the ICC unsealed an arrest warrant against dela Rosa, accusing him of crimes against humanity linked to thousands of killings during the Philippine government’s war on drugs from 2016 to 2018. Dela Rosa, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police during the campaign, has denied wrongdoing.

Reports said the senator had been staying inside the Senate building since earlier this week while supporters and political allies sought to block any arrest attempt. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots rang out, forcing lawmakers, media personnel, and staff members to seek cover during a temporary lockdown of the complex.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that authorities were not conducting an immediate arrest operation against dela Rosa at the time of the shooting and emphasized that public safety remained the government’s priority. Philippine officials also confirmed that an investigation had been launched to identify who fired the shots and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the public to remain calm and assured citizens that authorities would fully investigate the disturbance. Senate officials likewise condemned the violence and tightened security around the building following the incident.

The confrontation has intensified political tensions in the Philippines, where divisions remain sharp between allies of the Marcos administration and supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Analysts say the Senate incident marks one of the most dramatic political security crises in recent Philippine history.