Gunshots Reported at Philippine Senate During Attempt to Arrest Senator Wanted by ICC

Several rounds of gunfire were reportedly heard inside the upper chamber of the Senate of the Philippines during an attempt to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is reportedly wanted over crimes against humanity allegations.

Dela Rosa, a close ally of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing an arrest warrant linked to an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Jamela Alindogan, police and Philippine marines moved to arrest the senator on Wednesday evening, triggering chaos inside the Senate complex. She reported that around 15 rounds of gunfire were heard before security forces ordered a full evacuation of the building.

Authorities have not yet confirmed who fired the shots.

Earlier on Wednesday, Dela Rosa posted a video message on Facebook urging supporters to gather at the Senate building to help prevent his arrest. In the message, he appealed to the public, saying he hoped no Filipino would be taken to The Hague, where the ICC is headquartered.

Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, is widely known as the architect of Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs.” More than 6,000 suspected drug offenders were officially reported killed during the anti-drug campaign, though human rights groups estimate the actual toll may be significantly higher.

On Tuesday, Dela Rosa called on current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to hand him over to the ICC, stating that he was willing to face trial in the Philippines instead.

The ICC publicly disclosed details of the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa on Monday, although the warrant itself had reportedly been issued in November. He is believed to face charges related to crimes against humanity.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has also reportedly been arrested over similar allegations and is expected to face proceedings at the ICC headquarters in The Hague.