Chaos in Philippines Senate as Duterte Ally Faces Arrest
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Gunshots were reportedly fired inside the Philippine Senate chamber during a session, causing chaos, though no injuries were reported according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
- Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial anti-drug crackdown, announced he was about to be arrested by police operatives after the session.
- Dela Rosa, who has been evading arrest for months related to an International Criminal Court case on crimes against humanity, called on supporters to prevent his arrest and avoid being sent to The Hague like Duterte.
- The incident follows a dramatic escape by dela Rosa inside the Senate building earlier in the week, where he evaded arrest attempts linked to the ICC warrant.
- Both dela Rosa and Duterte face charges at the ICC for a violent anti-drug campaign that rights groups say resulted in thousands of deaths.