Philippines Senate building attacked during attempted arrest of ICC-wanted senator Ronald dela Rosa

On May 13, 2026, gunshots rang out inside the Philippine Senate as approximately ten uniformed soldiers equipped with sub‑machine guns entered the building. The forces were part of an operation to arrest Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, the former police chief and close ally of ex‑President Rodrigo Duterte, who is subject to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for crimes against humanity linked to the country’s deadly anti‑drug campaign.

Witnesses reported chaos and a lockdown of the Senate, with no casualties confirmed at the time. Authorities have not clarified who opened fire. Senate Secretary Mark Lantro Mendoza said no injuries had been reported, while Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla later entered the building, stating he was there to protect dela Rosa rather than to apprehend him. Dela Rosa, who has been under Senate protection since early May, used social media to call on the public to prevent his extradition to the ICC.

The incident underscores tension between the Philippine government and the ICC, as the nation has withdrawn from the Court but can still enforce its warrants via Interpol. It also highlights ongoing political volatility surrounding the legacy of Duterte’s drug war.