Multiple gunshots were fired inside the Philippine Senate premises on Wednesday night amid rumors that a senator is about to be arrested in connection with an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest order.
It is not yet clear who fired the shots at around 7:40 in the evening, but it caused reporters covering the unfolding events to scamper outside the building.
Immediately prior to the gunshots, Senate security forces were seen donning bullet proof vests and were carrying assault rifles. The contingent of Philippine Marines providing perimeter security around the compound were also seen entering the building.
“We are under attack. Anyone watching this, we are the Senate of the Philippines…” Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said in a brief online video message before he was cut off.
There were reports that National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) were trying to break into the rented Senate building from an adjacent office building.
Suspicious noise was heard from the Government Service Insurance System offices television reports said were caused by NBI agents trying to enter Senate premises.
NBI director Melvin matibag subsequently denied his agents were in the premises.
NBI agents tried to arrest Senator Ronald de la Rosa on Monday but failed.
De la Rosa is believed to be holed up inside the Senate building under the protective custody given him by Cayetano. He has not been spotted since the eight shots were heard reverberating inside the Senate halls.
A warrant of arrest had been issued against him by the ICC as co-conspirator to multiple counts of crimes against humanity. If arrested, he will be flown to The Hague to join former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to await trial.
The gunfire happened as the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte is being delivered from the House of Representatives.
While arrests had previously transpired in the Senate, tonight’s gunfire is the first in the Senate’s history. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
