Gunshots were heard inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday night as tensions escalated over efforts to arrest Senator Ronald Dela Rosa under an International Criminal Court warrant.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the incident during a Facebook livestream from inside the Senate complex.
“I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know if I can keep my people safe here,” Cayetano said.
“I’m ready to go out. I’m ready to face anyone who serves a warrant… but don’t do this.”
Officials said no injuries were reported and it was unclear who opened fire.
The incident follows a failed attempt earlier this week by local investigators to arrest Dela Rosa, a close aide of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
CCTV footage reportedly showed Dela Rosa running through the Senate corridor on Monday as officers attempted to detain him.
Riot police later surrounded the Senate complex, where the senators have been living ever since.
The International Criminal Court accused dela Rosa of involvement in alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which killed thousands of people between 2016 and 2018.
Interior Secretary Johnwick Remulla later entered the Senate building and said all senators inside were safe while officials investigated the shooting.
At The News Digital, our editors combine an understanding of entertainment with global reporting expertise. Expect authoritative coverage of royals, Hollywood and trending topics, as well as clear, credible updates on science, politics, sports and business. We keep it accurate, current and easy to understand, so you can stay ahead.
