Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday, May 13, assured the public that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is safe and under the protection of security personnel following a high-tension lockdown at the Senate building.
The lockdown was triggered by reports of gunfire within the complex on Wednesday evening. Remulla, who arrived at the scene to personally oversee the situation, clarified that the police presence was not an attempt to take the senator into custody.
“Politics goes out the window. We all belong to one country and we all will lead one nation. The president has given strict instructions. Secure the senators whoever they may be. Next, we are not here to arrest Senator de la Rosa. In fact, we are here to protect him.”
The incident occurred after the Supreme Court declined to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by Dela Rosa regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant unsealed earlier this week. Despite the legal setback, Remulla confirmed he had briefed the senator’s family on the security measures being taken to preserve order.
According to the DILG chief, Dela Rosa opted to remain in his Senate chambers to rest while investigators reviewed CCTV footage to identify the source of the gunfire.