MANILA — Chaos and tension gripped the Senate on Wednesday night after gunshots rang out inside the Senate complex, triggering a full lockdown amid heightened fears over a possible arrest operation against International Criminal Court (ICC)-wanted Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and the anticipated transmission of the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
The incident unfolded as supporters of Dela Rosa staged a rally outside the Senate while heavily tightened security measures fueled speculation that authorities from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or police units could attempt to serve an International Criminal Court-linked arrest warrant against the senator.
Inside the Senate, lawmakers were also bracing for the possible arrival of the impeachment complaint against Duterte-Carpio, a close political ally of Dela Rosa, adding to an already volatile atmosphere.
Minutes later, gunfire echoed within the Senate premises, forcing senators, employees, and visitors into emergency lockdown procedures.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that the entire Senate complex was placed under emergency protocols following reports of shooting near the building.
“We thank God that everyone is safe,” Cayetano said. “The building is more than a building. It represents the democracy of our country.”
Cayetano disclosed that several senators had received warnings shortly before the incident that “something might happen.”
“At around 6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., some senators got warnings na umuwi na,” Cayetano said. “Ang sabi ko, please don’t believe that because the last thing that anyone wants is ‘yung gulo.”
The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms immediately activated emergency measures as senators and personnel remained locked inside the building during clearing operations.
Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza said “perceived” NBI agents allegedly attempted to enter the Senate through a GSIS-connected access point on the second floor.
“Nag-retreat na sila pero secured naman ‘yung area,” Mendoza told reporters.
The Senate shares adjoining facilities with the Government Service Insurance System.
Despite the scare, authorities said no injuries or casualties were reported.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla later arrived at the Senate and assured lawmakers that security forces were deployed to protect senators — including Dela Rosa, and not to arrest him.
“The President has given strict instructions: secure the senators whoever they may be,” Remulla said. “We are not here to arrest Sen. Dela Rosa. In fact, we are here to protect him.”
Remulla also vowed to identify those behind the shooting incident.
“We do not know who is behind this, but we will find them. We have all the security footages,” he said.
Meanwhile, NBI Director Melvin Matibag denied reports that NBI operatives were inside the Senate during the lockdown.
“Nakatanggap ako ng tawag kay Sen. Loren Legarda na paalisin ko raw ‘yung mga agents ng NBI. Sabi ko, ‘Wala kaming agent diyan,’” Matibag said.
Matibag explained that NBI officials were attending a fellowship event at a hotel during the incident.
“Sigurado ako na wala kaming tao na nandiyan sa loob ng Senado,” he added.
Matibag also stressed the NBI had no order to arrest Dela Rosa pending the senator’s petition with the Supreme Court.
The NBI chief further said authorities were ordered to investigate the gunfire and arrest those responsible.
Late Wednesday night, security forces continued clearing operations floor by floor as uncertainty lingered over the situation inside the Senate.
But amid the confusion, one question persisted: Where was Dela Rosa?
Cayetano and Remulla both claimed Dela Rosa remained somewhere inside the Senate building. But no proof of life was presented./PN