Philippine Senate in lockdown after reports of gunshots, arrest attempt

Shots were reported at the Philippine Senate on May 13 as the chamber was placed under lockdown amid an ongoing operation by security personnel, according to officials and eyewitness accounts.

The incident occurred after the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) ordered the clearing of the building’s second floor, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Staff and journalists were told to evacuate the area as at least 10 gunshots were heard, according to reporters on site.

The OSAA earlier indicated it was preparing to arrest an individual inside the Senate complex, though it did not provide further details on the identity or the basis of the operation.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano later confirmed in a social media video that senior officials, including Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Pia Cayetano, had been in contact with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag.

He said Matibag informed them that no NBI agents were currently inside the Senate premises, as they had been instructed to withdraw, and that the agency was unable to approach the area.

The National Bureau of Investigation has not yet issued a detailed public statement on the reported operation.

Cayetano also said that several senators received warnings during a meeting suggesting they should leave the area due to an unspecified impending incident, adding that tensions were high as lawmakers were reportedly discussing impeachment-related matters at the time.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was seen entering an elevator after the OSAA ordered the second floor to be cleared. Dela Rosa has previously been the subject of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court and has recently been taking refuge within the Senate, which has extended him institutional protection.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the reported gunfire was linked to the attempted arrest, and investigations are ongoing. The situation inside the Senate remains under tight security, with officials urging calm as more details are awaited.