Gunshots were fired inside the Philippine senate on Wednesday, causing panic among journalists and staff, as a tense standoff unfolded with a former top official wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Video footage from Philippines' TV5 shows journalists scrambling after the shots rang out, highlighting the escalating crisis.
Background of the Standoff
The incident occurred as Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the chief enforcer of former President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody 'war on drugs,' announced on Facebook that his arrest was imminent. He urged supporters to mobilize to prevent his handover to the ICC, which is investigating crimes against humanity related to the anti-drug campaign.
Panic in the Senate
The video captures a journalist on the phone when sudden gunfire sends the media corps diving for cover. The source of the shots remains unclear, but the event underscores the high tensions surrounding Dela Rosa's case.
ICC Investigation and Duterte's Legacy
The ICC is probing Duterte's drug war, which left thousands dead. Dela Rosa, as police chief, oversaw the operations. His potential arrest marks a significant step in international justice efforts, but it has sparked political turmoil in the Philippines.
Reactions and Mobilization
Dela Rosa's call for mobilization has raised fears of unrest. Supporters view the ICC as an infringement on sovereignty, while human rights groups welcome the move as accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings.
