Gunshots ring out at Philippine Senate where lawmaker is holed up

"More than a dozen gunshots rang out at the Philippine Senate as police and marines moved in to arrest a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. Al Jazeera's Jamela Alindogan said journalists ran for cover as gunfire erupted on Wednesday evening minutes after soldiers with rifles and protective gear went up the stairs of the legislative building. It was not immediately clear who fired the shots."

"Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa had earlier said he was anticipating his arrest, urging people to come to the legislature to prevent him from being detained and sent to the ICC. I am appealing to you. I hope you can help me. Do not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague, dela Rosa said in a video posted on Facebook on Wednesday."

"Former police chief dela Rosa, who was the top enforcer of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte's so-called war on drugs, urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Tuesday not to hand him over to the ICC, adding that he was ready to face justice at home. Fearing arrest and hunkered down in his legislative office, dela Rosa said he had faithfully served his country."

"The ICC unsealed an arrest warrant on Monday for dela Rosa, dated November, on suspicion of crimes against humanity, the same crimes 81-year-old Duterte is accused of as he awaits trial in The Hague following his arrest last year. Dela Rosa, better known as Bato, meaning rock, has been under the protective custody of the Senate since law enforcement agents entered the building on Monday, when he reappeared in public for the first time since November. He has denied involvement in illegal killings."

An ICC arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa prompted a police and marine operation at the Philippine Senate. Gunshots were heard as soldiers with rifles and protective gear went up the stairs and journalists ran for cover. It was unclear who fired the shots. Dela Rosa had previously said he expected arrest and urged people to come to the legislature to prevent him from being detained and sent to The Hague. He appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr not to hand him over to the ICC and said he was ready to face justice in the Philippines. The ICC unsealed the warrant on suspicion of crimes against humanity tied to the same allegations against former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa denied involvement in illegal killings and remained under Senate protective custody.

Read at www.aljazeera.com