MANILA, Philippines — Gunfire broke out inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday as authorities attempted to arrest a sitting senator wanted by the International Criminal Court, in a dramatic confrontation that sent lawmakers and staff scrambling for cover and plunged the country’s legislature into chaos.
The incident unfolded as agents moved to detain the senator in connection with an ICC warrant, triggering a tense standoff that quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire within the halls of one of the nation’s most prominent government institutions. The brazen scene — unprecedented in the Senate’s modern history — drew immediate condemnation from political leaders and raised urgent questions about the rule of law and the reach of international justice in the Southeast Asian nation.
Details on casualties were not immediately available. It was unclear who fired first or how many shots were discharged. Officials at the scene could not be immediately reached for comment.
The arrest attempt comes amid the Philippines’ complicated and evolving relationship with the Hague-based court. Former President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into ICC custody earlier this year in connection with the court’s investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings carried out during his administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign, which claimed thousands of lives.
The current administration has signaled a greater willingness to cooperate with the ICC than its predecessor, a shift that has emboldened the court to pursue additional suspects with ties to the Philippine government.
Wednesday’s confrontation marks a significant escalation in that legal drama, bringing international criminal justice proceedings directly — and violently — into the heart of the Philippine legislature.
The Senate President and other senior lawmakers were briefed on the situation as security personnel worked to secure the building. The Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies were deployed to the scene.
The ICC, established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, has been investigating the Philippines’ drug war since 2021.
The senator’s identity and the specific charges underlying the ICC warrant were not immediately confirmed by officials. The court typically issues warrants under seal until an arrest is made or the subject is formally notified.
This is a developing story. Additional details will be added as they become available.
