GUNSHOTS HEARD AT SENATE WHERE DELA ROSA HAS TAKEN REFUGE AMID ICC ARREST WARRANT

VOLLEYS of gunshots on Wednesday night  rang out inside the Senate building where Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa sought protective custody following an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity.

The ICC issued the arrest warrant over dela Rosa’s role as the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly regarding the implementation of the war on drugs.

On Wednesday night, mediamen, Senate staff members, and all people inside the Senate building ran for cover after gunfire rang out.

No casualties have been reported.

It was unclear who fired the shots.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday night said no state security forces were involved in the shooting incident inside the Senate complex as he denied reports that  government agencies had been ordered to arrest dela Rosa.

The President said he personally monitored the situation and immediately contacted Philippine National Police (PNP) officials and later spoke with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag to verify reports that armed personnel had entered the Senate premises.

“Tinawagan ko ang NBI at tinanong ko si Director Matibag, ‘Kayo ba pumasok sa Senado?’ Ang sabi sa akin, ‘Wala kaming instruction, sir,” Marcos said.

He clarified that the uniformed personnel seen inside the Senate complex were regular security and police personnel assigned to the Senate, as well as members of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

Members of the Philippine Marines who were part of the Senate security were also seen entering the Senate premises prior to the gunshots.

Matibag, in a television interview, denied there were NBI agents in the Senate.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla arrived at the Senate on Wednesday night.

Remulla said he was instructed by President Marcos to secure and protect the senators inside  the Senate building.

PNP chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez also arrived to assess the situation.

In a Facebook Live broadcast, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said the Upper Chamber was “allegedly under attack” after gunshots were heard inside the hallways of the building.