Story: Please note - this edit has been resent to add "No resale. No archive. Do not obscure courtesy" to the restrictions
Chaos erupts at the Philippine senate as gunshots are fired
TV5
Manila, Philippines / May 13, 2023
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court, was hurried away beforehand amid anticipation of his arrest
Volleys of gunshots were heard at the Philippine senate on Wednesday and people were told to run for cover, Reuters witnesses heard, as chaos mounted in anticipation of an attempt to arrest a top senator wanted by the International Criminal Court.
It was unclear what was happening or who fired the shots. More than 10 military personnel in camouflage fatigues had earlier arrived at the senate building, some carrying assault rifles, Reuters journalists saw.
It was not immediately clear why troops were there and military officials could not immediately be reached for comment. It was unclear if other security personnel were inside the building.
It came as Ronald dela Rosa, the chief enforcer in former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's bloody "war on drugs", said on Facebook his arrest was imminent and urged people to mobilise to prevent his handover to the International Criminal Court.
