Manila, Philippines. Gunshots were heard at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday as chaos erupted around an attempt to arrest a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court, with people told to run for cover.
Gunfire heard as security presence increased
Reuters witnesses heard the gunshots but said it was unclear what was happening or who had fired them. More than ten military personnel in camouflage fatigues, some carrying assault rifles, had earlier arrived at the Senate building, Reuters journalists saw. Military officials could not immediately be reached for comment and it was unclear if other security personnel were inside the building.
Local journalist account cites clash during attempted arrest
Local journalist Dale G. Israel told Philenews English that the shootout was between agents of the National Bureau of Investigation, who were attempting to arrest Dela Rosa, and the Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms, who was defending him. Israel’s account could not immediately be independently verified.
Dela Rosa video says arrest was imminent
Earlier on Wednesday, Dela Rosa posted a video on Facebook from his Senate office saying his arrest was imminent and urging people to mobilise to prevent his handover to the ICC. “I am appealing to you, I hope you can help me. Do not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague,” he said.
ICC warrant and allegations
The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant for Dela Rosa on May 11, originally issued under seal on November 6, 2025. He is alleged to have committed the crime against humanity of murder between July 2016 and April 2018, during which no less than 32 persons were killed. At a Senate hearing in October 2024, Duterte himself described Dela Rosa as one of the commanders of his death squad, according to reports of the hearing.
Background on anti-drugs crackdown and disputed allegations
Dela Rosa, 64, was Duterte’s top lieutenant overseeing a crackdown during which thousands of alleged drug dealers were killed, with human rights groups accusing police of systematic murders and cover-ups. Police reject the allegations, saying the more than 6,000 killed in anti-drugs operations were all armed and had resisted arrest.
Developments at the Senate compound
Dela Rosa was pictured by local media fleeing into the Senate building on Monday as police sought to detain him. He has remained in his legislative office since then. When local investigative unit officers failed to arrest him, riot police surrounded the Senate compound. More than 100 supporters of Dela Rosa and Duterte gathered outside the building overnight, waving the national flag and blocking nearby roads, before being dispersed by police.
ICC case details and Duterte detention
Dela Rosa, a former Davao City Police Director and subsequently chief of the Philippine National Police, is accused of responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder through his involvement in a common plan to kill alleged criminals in the Philippines. The ICC has named eight co-perpetrators in the case. Former President Duterte was arrested and transferred to The Hague in March 2025 and is currently in detention awaiting trial.
Ongoing reporting
This story is developing. Philenews English will update as more information becomes available.
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