Gunshots heard at Philippine Senate as ICC arrest expected

"Gunshots have been heard inside the Philippine Senate as tensions escalate over a planned arrest of a top senator. Witnesses reported multiple shots on Wednesday, sending journalists and others scrambling for cover as armed personnel moved through the building. More than 10 soldiers in camouflage had earlier entered the complex, some carrying assault rifles, though it remained unclear who fired the shots or why troops were deployed."

"Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, faces a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dela Rosa, who has been sheltering in his office since Monday, said his arrest was imminent and called on supporters to mobilize to block any attempt to transfer him to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity."

"On Monday, the Philippine lower house of parliament voted to advance impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president. Rodrigo Duterte is already in the Hague awaiting trial at the ICC."

Gunshots were reported inside the Philippine Senate as tensions rose over a planned arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa. Witnesses said multiple shots were heard on Wednesday, prompting journalists and others to seek cover while armed personnel moved through the building. More than 10 soldiers in camouflage entered the complex earlier, some carrying assault rifles, though the source of the shots and the reason for the deployment were unclear. Dela Rosa has been sheltering in his office since Monday and said his arrest is imminent. He urged supporters to mobilize to prevent any attempt to transfer him to The Hague for ICC charges involving crimes against humanity. Separately, the lower house advanced impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, while Rodrigo Duterte remains in the Hague for ICC trial.

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