Gunfire Erupts at Philippine Senate Building Amidst Arrest Operation

An intense gunfire incident occurred at the Philippine Senate building after police and marine troops arrived to arrest a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity.

According to Al Jazeera, rifle-armed soldiers wearing protective gear ascended the parliamentary stairs Wednesday evening, triggering gunshots within minutes. Journalists at the scene reportedly took cover as approximately 15 rounds were fired.

It remains unclear who fired the shots at this time.

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa expressed fears of arrest and urged people to come to the Senate building to prevent his detention.

In a video posted on Facebook Wednesday, he pleaded, “I appeal to you. Please help me. Do not let any other Filipino citizen be sent to The Hague.”

Following dela Rosa’s message, law enforcement officials began gathering outside the Senate building.

Dela Rosa, a former police chief, was the chief enforcer of the controversial “war on drugs” campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

On Tuesday, he had requested President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to extradite him, stating his readiness to face justice within the country.

Fearing arrest, dela Rosa remained inside his parliamentary office, asserting that he has served the nation with integrity.

The ICC issued a warrant of arrest for dela Rosa on Monday; this warrant had originally been released the previous November. He faces charges of crimes against humanity. The same charges apply to 81-year-old former President Duterte, who was arrested last year and is currently awaiting trial in The Hague.