Chaos Erupts in Senate as Bato Dela Rosa Reportedly Leaves Premises After Gunfire Incident
MANILA, Philippines — Confusion and tension engulfed the Senate complex late Wednesday night after a reported gunfire incident coincided with the alleged departure of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa from the premises.
The incident unfolded amid ongoing efforts by authorities to serve an arrest warrant linked to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs. Dela Rosa, who had earlier been placed under Senate protective custody, was later reported to have left the Senate compound before dawn.
Malacañang confirmed Thursday that the senator was no longer inside the Senate premises, although officials have yet to disclose his exact location.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the confrontation began when Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca allegedly fired a warning shot toward National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel within the GSIS compound. The situation reportedly escalated after return fire was heard from the other side.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a full-scale investigation into the gunfire incident, while lawmakers expressed alarm over the breach of security within one of the country’s highest government institutions.
Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned the chaos and called for accountability, warning against what she described as “bad faith actors” contributing to instability and violence.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified that no military personnel assigned to secure the Senate compound were involved in the shooting. A police report initially identified the alleged armed suspect as a driver connected to the NBI, but NBI Director Melvin Matibag later stated that the individual was merely a volunteer and not an official bureau employee.
Conflicting statements also emerged overnight regarding Dela Rosa’s whereabouts, with some allies insisting he remained inside the Senate even as reports from Senate insiders claimed he had already slipped out around 2:30 a.m.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked widespread public attention and renewed debate over security protocols, political tensions, and the ICC-related developments surrounding former officials linked to the anti-drug campaign.
