Gunshots heard at Philippine Senate amid arrest bid against Duterte aide dela Rosa

Volleys of gunshots were heard inside the Philippines Senate on Wednesday, prompting people in the building to run for cover as tensions escalated over an anticipated attempt to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Reuters, citing witnesses.

According to the report, it was not immediately clear what caused the gunfire or who fired the shots.

More than 10 military personnel wearing camouflage uniforms had earlier arrived at the Senate building, with some carrying assault rifles, reported Reuters.

It also remained uncertain whether additional security personnel were inside the building.

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The incident came as dela Rosa, a close ally and former top enforcer for ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during his controversial “war on drugs,” said on Facebook that his arrest was imminent and urged supporters to mobilise against any attempt to hand him over to the ICC.

Dela Rosa, who has been staying in his Senate office since Monday, called on the public to gather and block his arrest, saying law enforcement authorities were on their way after the ICC unsealed an arrest warrant against him.

The warrant, dated November and made public on Monday, seeks dela Rosa’s arrest on charges of crimes against humanity — the same allegations faced by Duterte, who is awaiting trial in The Hague following his arrest last year.

"I am appealing to you, I hope you can help me. Do not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague," dela Rosa said in a video posted on Facebook from his Senate office.

Dela Rosa, 64, served as Duterte’s top lieutenant during the anti-drug crackdown in which thousands of alleged drug suspects were killed. Human rights groups have accused police forces of carrying out systematic killings and cover-ups during the campaign.

Philippine police have denied the allegations, maintaining that the more than 6,000 people killed in anti-drug operations were armed and resisted arrest.

With inputs from agencies