Gunshots Erupt at Philippine Senate Amidst ICC Stand-off

Gunfire broke out amidst chaos at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, where troops were stationed following a call to action by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), to prevent his arrest. The incident prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to issue a call for calm.

President Marcos reassured the public, stating that no government personnel were involved. Meanwhile, dela Rosa, a former enforcer of Duterte's war on drugs, denied allegations of illegal killings and expressed his resistance against extradition. An arrest warrant had been issued for him by the ICC earlier.

Despite the chaos, dela Rosa sought refuge in his Senate office and appealed online for support, urging his compatriots not to permit another Filipino's extradition to The Hague. Security measures at the Senate were significantly ramped up as the situation developed.

(With inputs from agencies.)