Gunshots were reported inside the Philippine Senate building on Wednesday as armed troops entered the complex, triggering panic among journalists and staff. The incident comes amid heightened tensions over the imminent arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a key figure in the former Duterte administration's drug war.

Witnesses described multiple shots fired, sending people scrambling for cover. More than a dozen soldiers in camouflage, some carrying assault rifles, were seen entering the building. It remains unclear who fired the shots or why the military was deployed.

Senator dela Rosa, who has been holed up in his office since Monday, faces a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to the deadly anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa, known by his nickname "Bato," called on supporters, especially military personnel, to block any attempt to transfer him to The Hague.

In a statement, Dela Rosa urged "my fellow men in uniform" and former classmates at the Philippine Military Academy to "express their sentiment" that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration "should not hand me over to foreigners."

The crisis deepened on Monday when the Philippine House of Representatives voted to advance impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter. Duterte himself is already in The Hague awaiting trial at the ICC. The situation remains volatile as authorities attempt to navigate the legal and political fallout.

Source: www.dw.com