Multiple gunshots caused panic inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, forcing senators and staff to take cover in their offices as security forces launched a search for suspected gunmen.
AFP journalists inside the building reported hearing at least five shots, with scenes of confusion as a television reporter broke down live on air and Senator Robin Padilla urged people to evacuate the premises.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said there were no casualties and confirmed that the search operation was ongoing. He also stated that Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is facing a warrant linked to the International Criminal Court, remained inside the Senate complex under security protection.
Authorities clarified that Dela Rosa was safe and under guard, adding that he had been informed of ongoing developments. Government officials said security forces present in and around the Senate had not discharged their weapons.
The incident unfolded as Dela Rosa, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte and a key figure in the country’s anti-drug campaign, sought to avoid arrest and possible transfer to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity.
President Ferdinand Marcos called for calm, saying authorities would investigate the source of the gunfire and warning against panic. He added that security personnel had been ordered to stand down following a Supreme Court directive requiring clarification of the situation.
Earlier, Dela Rosa had petitioned the Supreme Court to block any attempt to arrest him. His political allies recently helped shift control of the Senate in a surprise vote.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said he did not know who fired the shots, describing the situation as chaotic and stating that staff were locked inside rooms for safety.
The National Bureau of Investigation denied involvement, saying its agents had been on standby and were not present when the shooting occurred.
Dela Rosa, widely known as “Bato,” previously served as national police chief during the early phase of Duterte’s anti-drug crackdown, which left thousands dead according to human rights groups.