More than 12 gunshots [1] were heard near the Philippine Senate complex in Manila on Wednesday night, prompting a security lockdown and police alert.
The incident occurs as Senator Ronald Dela Rosa reportedly resists arrest inside the building. Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court, and the standoff represents a significant escalation in the tension between the Philippine government and the international tribunal.
Security forces placed the Philippine National Police on full alert following the reports of gunfire on 13 May 2026 [2]. The sounds of more than 12 shots [1] triggered panic among personnel and led to an immediate lockdown of the Senate complex. Authorities have not yet confirmed the source of the gunfire or if any injuries occurred.
Reports indicate that Senator Dela Rosa has remained inside the Senate building to avoid capture. The situation is linked to ongoing developments regarding the International Criminal Court and its pursuit of the lawmaker. The presence of a wanted official within a sovereign legislative building creates a complex legal and security deadlock for local law enforcement.
An unnamed police spokesperson said, "Based on reports from personnel on the ground," the situation remains volatile. The police response includes a heavy security perimeter around the complex to prevent further escalation while they determine the exact nature of the shots fired.
Political tensions in Manila have risen as the ICC seeks to execute warrants against high-profile figures. The use of the Senate building as a refuge suggests a strategic attempt to use legislative immunity, or physical barriers, to obstruct international legal processes. Police continue to monitor the building as the standoff persists.
“More than 12 gunshots were heard near the Philippine Senate complex in Manila”
This incident highlights the volatile intersection of national sovereignty and international law in the Philippines. By seeking refuge in the Senate, Dela Rosa is leveraging a government installation to obstruct the International Criminal Court, forcing the Philippine National Police into a precarious position between upholding domestic legislative sanctity and complying with international legal mandates.
