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Gunfire reported at Philippine Senate amid ICC arrest attempt of lawmaker
The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa on May 11, 2026, prompting a police arrest attempt that sent dela Rosa to the Senate for protection. On May 13, 2026, gunfire was reported inside the Senate during the standoff, with authorities continuing to pursue the ICC-linked arrest.
Why It Matters
This event intersects international law and domestic politics, highlighting tensions between the ICC's actions and Philippine parliamentary security and governance.
Timeline
3 Events
Gunfire reported at Senate amid arrest attempt
May 13, 2026
A burst of gunfire rang out Wednesday night in the Philippine Senate, where authorities have tried to arrest a senator wanted by the ICC. Senate President Alan Cayetano said he was told by the building's security that gunshots were fired, but he provided no other details and hastily left. The emotions were described as high, and the article notes that dela Rosa has remained in protective custody by allied senators during the arrest attempt.
NBI arrest attempt; dela Rosa seeks Senate protection
May 11, 2026
National Bureau of Investigation agents tried to arrest dela Rosa on Monday, but he dashed to the Senate's plenary hall and sought the help of fellow senators. Senate President Alan Cayetano said he would cite the government agents involved for contempt.
ICC unseals arrest warrant for Ronald dela Rosa
May 11, 2026
The International Criminal Court unsealed an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former national police chief who led Duterte's anti-drug crackdown, charging him with crime against humanity for murder of no less than 32 persons between July 2016 and the end of April 2018. The warrant was originally issued in November.