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Senator Ronald Dela Rosa talks to media at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay, Metro Manila on May 13, 2026.
AFP / Jam Sta Rosa
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa reportedly left the Senate compound early Thursday, May 14, hours after gunshots were fired inside the building where he had been staying under Senate protection while facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
An official from the Senate secretariat, citing information from a senator, told several members of the media, including Philstar.com, that Dela Rosa was no longer inside the Senate premises.
He reportedly left at around 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
The departure came after a tense Wednesday night at the Senate, where multiple gunshots were heard as the standoff over Dela Rosa’s possible arrest escalated.
Dela Rosa has been wanted by the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration’s drug war. He has denied involvement in illegal killings.
The Senate had placed Dela Rosa under its protection after a confrontation earlier this week involving authorities seeking to arrest him.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday also deferred a temporary restraining order on his arrest or transfer, instead directing government officials to comment on his petition.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a video statement Wednesday night that government forces were not behind the gunfire and that NBI agents had been ordered to leave the Senate around 4 p.m., hours before the shots were heard.
