Gunshots fired in standoff at Philippine Senate amid push to arrest top politician

Gunshots were fired inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday during a standoff after Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief and top ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, sought refuge there to avoid arrest over an International Criminal Court warrant for crimes against humanity. Security forces entered the building amid claims of an imminent arrest, though authorities later denied deploying agents, leaving the source of gunfire unclear while protesters gathered outside demanding his detention." "article": "Gunfire erupted inside the Philippine Senate in Manila on Wednesday, triggering a chaotic standoff after Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief and key figure in ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘war on drugs,’ took refuge there to evade arrest. The Hague-based International Criminal Court unsealed an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday, accusing him of crimes against humanity alongside Duterte, who faces his own ICC trial after last year’s transfer to the court. Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza confirmed no casualties were reported, though law enforcement officers allegedly fired shots as they retreated from the building. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) denied deploying agents, while military personnel in camouflage arrived at the Senate’s request to ‘secure the facility,’ according to Chief Xerxes Trinidad. Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla stated the source of gunfire remained unclear and that security footage would be reviewed. Dela Rosa, 64, has denied involvement in the killings of thousands during the anti-drug crackdown, which human rights groups allege were systematic murders. He urged Filipinos to prevent his transfer to The Hague, calling it illegal since the Philippines withdrew from the ICC’s Rome Statute. His allies, including Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, confirmed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured no government personnel were involved in the incident. The Senate remained heavily guarded as protesters gathered outside, some demanding dela Rosa’s arrest. He has also filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court to block any transfer, giving all parties 72 hours to respond. Meanwhile, the ICC’s prosecutor’s office and press office did not immediately comment on the standoff.