In a shocking incident, a sudden burst of chaos erupted inside the Philippine Senate in Pasay City, Metro Manila, after multiple gunshots reportedly rang out within the building, sending lawmakers and staff scrambling for cover.
According to reports, around 10-15 shots were fired, plunging parts of the complex into darkness as a lockdown was swiftly imposed and a panic spread across the corridor of power. As per early accounts, it suggests that Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief, was the apparent target of the attack. Amid the shocking report, let's find out who Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa is.
Gunshots erupt at the Philippine Senate amid ICC warrant tensions over Senator Bato dela Rosa
Since Monday, the Senate complex has reportedly served as a refuge for Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who has been avoiding arrest in connection with an international criminal court warrant. On Wednesday, gunshots were heard inside the Philippine Senate, prompting people in the building to take cover, reports Reuters.A witness initially reported at least five shots, with the number later rising to over a dozen as gunfire reportedly continued. As per GMA News Online, Remulla told the reporter, "Senator Bato dela Rosa has been informed that we are doing a sweep of the building. He has informed us that he wants to rest in his chambers. He is safe. He is with the security personnel. He has been informed of our activities", Remulla told reporters.
"We have assured him that there is no warrant of arrest to be served. I am here to ensure the integrity of the Senate and the protection of all the senators", he added.
Who is Senator Bato dela Rosa?
Dela Rosa, a key figure in a previous political shift in the upper house that helped install Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, has been placed under the Senate's protective custody.
X | Inside the Senate chaos amid drug case controversy and arrest concerns When Rodrigo Duterte became president in June 2016, he named his former Davao City police chief, Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, as the head of the Philippine National Police. Dela Rosa served in the role for 21 months, during which Duterte granted him wide-ranging powers to implement Davao-style crime-fighting strategies across the country. Meanwhile, security forces led by the National Bureau of Investigation are attempting to enforce the warrant, invoking Republic Act 9851, which permits the Philippine government to surrender or extradite individuals to international tribunals handling serious crimes.