14 May 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called an emergency meeting of top government and security officials after chaos and gunfire erupted at the Philippine Senate amid rising political tensions linked to Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The dramatic incident unfolded at the Senate complex in Metro Manila, where gunshots were heard late Wednesday night, causing panic among lawmakers, journalists, staff members, and security personnel. Authorities said people inside the building scrambled for cover as confusion spread across the heavily guarded premises.
The unrest centered around Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a close ally of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and a key figure in the country’s controversial anti-drug campaign. Dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to thousands of killings during the drug war.
According to reports, dela Rosa had taken refuge inside the Senate building fearing arrest and possible transfer to The Hague. Hours before the gunfire, he reportedly appealed to supporters through social media, claiming law enforcement agents were preparing to detain him.
The incident triggered a major security response involving police, armed guards, and military personnel deployed around the Senate compound. Authorities later confirmed that one suspect had been detained and investigators recovered bullet casings, rifle magazines, and other evidence from the scene.
Officials have not yet confirmed who fired the shots or whether the gunfire was linked directly to attempts to arrest dela Rosa. Conflicting reports and speculation surrounding the incident have further intensified political tensions in the Philippines.
President Marcos said the government would investigate the incident thoroughly and urged the public to remain calm. The White House-style emergency meeting reportedly included discussions involving security agencies and senior officials amid concerns about national stability and escalating political confrontation.
The crisis comes during an already volatile political period in the Philippines following deepening tensions between the Marcos administration and allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, is also facing political pressure and impeachment-related controversy.
The ICC recently unsealed an arrest warrant against dela Rosa, accusing him of involvement in extrajudicial killings during anti-drug operations between 2016 and 2018. Dela Rosa has denied wrongdoing and insists the ICC no longer has jurisdiction after the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019.
Human rights groups have long criticized the Duterte-era anti-drug campaign, alleging systematic killings and abuses by police forces. Philippine authorities have repeatedly denied claims of organized extrajudicial executions.
Political analysts say the Senate incident has dramatically escalated tensions between rival political camps in the Philippines and may further destabilize the country’s already polarized political environment.
As investigations continue, security remains tight around the Senate complex while authorities attempt to determine the full circumstances behind the shooting and the whereabouts of Senator dela Rosa.