Gunshots reported outside Philippine Senate building where lawmaker is in hiding

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa faces International Criminal Court arrest warrant.

A Philippine Senate building was the scene of gunfire on Wednesday evening, as police and marines moved in to arrest a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. The incident occurred minutes after soldiers with rifles and protective gear entered the legislative building. It is unclear who fired the shots.

Senator dela Rosa had earlier stated that he expected his arrest, urging people to gather at the legislature to prevent him from being detained and sent to the ICC. In a video posted on Facebook, he appealed for assistance, saying “I hope you can help me. Do not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague.”

Law enforcement agents were gathered outside the Senate building earlier that day, following dela Rosa’s message. Dela Rosa, who served as police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte, had urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to hand him over to the ICC, stating he was ready to face justice at home.

The International Criminal Court unsealed an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday, dated November, on suspicion of crimes against humanity. The same charges have been levied against 81-year-old Duterte, who is awaiting trial in The Hague following his arrest last year.

Dela Rosa has denied involvement in illegal killings and has claimed to have served the country faithfully. He was placed under protective custody by the Senate after law enforcement agents entered the building on Monday, when he reappeared in public for the first time since November.

Source: Al Jazeera