BREAKING: Philippine Senate on Lockdown After Reports of Multiple Gunshots Inside Building | WATCH
This is a developing story.
At least 12 gunshots were reportedly heard inside the Philippine Senate building in Pasay City today, triggering a lockdown and orders for occupants to evacuate to secure areas.
Eyewitness accounts and social media posts describe panic as staff and officials were instructed to seek shelter in protected zones. Media personnel were reportedly being evacuated from the complex amid the chaos.
The incident occurs amid an ongoing standoff involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa remains under Senate protective custody after fleeing National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents earlier this week when they attempted to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant on him for alleged crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s deadly drug war.
Background:
The situation is developing rapidly, with conflicting reports emerging on social media about possible attempts to breach the building or diversionary tactics.
Senate sessions and operations have been disrupted. Officials have urged calm while law enforcement maintains a cordon around the area.
This marks a major escalation in the political crisis surrounding the ICC warrants linked to the Philippines’ controversial anti-drug campaign, which left thousands dead.