Senate Under Lockdown
Gunfire erupted in the Philippine Senate on Wednesday as authorities attempted to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court. No one was injured, according to Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. The Senate went into lockdown, with police commandos and anti-riot personnel surrounding the building in Manila.
ICC Arrest Warrant
The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday, charging him with the crime against humanity of murder of "no less than 32 persons" between July 2016 and the end of April 2018. During this period, dela Rosa led the national police force under then-President Rodrigo Duterte. The warrant was originally issued in November.
Dela Rosa's Defense
Dela Rosa, 64, has vowed to fight the ICC arrest order and called on his followers to gather at the Senate. He stated he was ready to face any allegations before Philippine courts, denying he condoned extrajudicial killings while leading the police force. Dela Rosa urged "my fellow men in uniform" and former classmates at the Philippine Military Academy, to "express their sentiment" that President Ferdinand Marcos's government "should not hand me over to foreigners."
Political Tensions
Senate President Alan Cayetano confirmed that he was told by security that gunshots were fired. Cayetano said, "The emotions are high here. This is the Senate of the Philippines, and we are allegedly under attack." Five senators proposed a resolution calling for dela Rosa to surrender, but his allies opposed the move. On Monday, 13 of 24 senators friendly to dela Rosa wrested control of its leadership.
Government Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for calm and denied any government involvement in the incident. Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. said he was deployed by the president to secure the senators and that he did not come to arrest dela Rosa, who remained in the building. Remulla stated that the president gave "strict instructions" to secure the senators.
Wider Implications
Duterte was arrested in March of last year and is currently detained in The Hague. He faces trial for killings from his crackdown. Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives over accusations that included unexplained wealth. The Senate was preparing to convene into a tribunal to try the vice president.
Investigation Underway
An investigation is underway to determine who fired the shots and their intentions, with security cameras being reviewed. Senate speaker Alan Peter Cayetano asked the public to send "any videos that could help with the investigation." No one has been arrested for the shooting, according to Remulla.
