A dramatic incident unfolded in the Philippine Senate late on Wednesday as gunshots pierced the air, heightening tension in the building. This occurred amid efforts by authorities to apprehend a senator linked to a controversial drug crackdown.
No injuries were reported, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation urging calm. The cause of the gunfire remains unknown as it coincided with attempts to detain Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, the former police chief, for his role in a deadly anti-drug campaign during ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure.
Dela Rosa, who resurfaced after a period of absence, had been placed under “protective custody” by his senator allies on Monday. The shots were heard by journalists and security personnel, who swiftly responded to secure the area and evacuate staff.
Senate President Alan Cayetano emerged briefly but provided limited information, stating, “The emotions are high here. This is the Senate of the Philippines, and we are allegedly under attack.” Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr., dispatched by the president, arrived at the scene to ensure the safety of the senators, denying intentions to arrest dela Rosa.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated an investigation, reviewing security footage to identify the perpetrators and their motives. The International Criminal Court (ICC) had unsealed an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday, accusing him of crimes against humanity for orchestrating numerous killings between 2016 and 2018.
Dela Rosa, 64, has pledged to contest the ICC’s warrant, urging supporters to rally against his arrest. He managed to evade arrest earlier by seeking sanctuary in the Senate, leading to a contempt warning against the government agents involved.
Following Duterte’s arrest last year and ongoing detention in the Netherlands for trial, dela Rosa expressed his opposition to facing similar charges abroad, blaming political vendettas for his situation. He stated a willingness to face Philippine courts but denied endorsing extrajudicial killings.
Security Measures at the Senate
The Senate premises have seen increased police presence since Monday, a move criticized by dela Rosa’s allies. Dela Rosa, addressing the media, emphasized his preference for local justice over foreign intervention.
A group of senators proposed a resolution for dela Rosa’s surrender, sparking heated debates within the Senate, where a majority allied with dela Rosa recently seized leadership control.
Political relations remain strained, with Vice President Sara Duterte, a former ally of Marcos, accusing him of facilitating her father’s extradition. She faces impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos’ supporters, over allegations of corruption and threats against the president.
Political Tensions and Historical Context
The current turmoil highlights the enduring political rifts within the Philippines. Duterte’s presidency was marked by a harsh anti-drug crusade led by dela Rosa, which faced international criticism.
Dela Rosa, once a police chief in Davao, defended the campaign, asserting it was not intended to eliminate people but to protect officers under threat. The Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, seen as a move to evade accountability, has not deterred the court from pursuing charges for past crimes.
