Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa is reportedly missing after a gunfire incident at the Senate on May 13, 2026. His departure comes amid ongoing scrutiny related to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning his involvement in the controversial war on drugs under former President **Rodrigo Duterte**.
Confirming his exit, a member of the Senate secretariat stated that Dela Rosa left the Senate building around 2:30 a.m. on May 14. His absence raises significant concerns regarding the Senate's ability to uphold law and order, especially given the alarming context of gun violence within its walls.
Reaction from Officials and Lawmakers
Senate President **Alan Cayetano** has ordered the Senate's sergeant-at-arms to verify Dela Rosa's whereabouts, amid fears that the incident was staged as a diversion.
Alan Cayetano, Senate President
The **Philippine National Police** (PNP) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the gunfire, which involved security personnel from the Senate. Preliminary reports indicate that the incident may not have been random, with suggestions that it could have been a calculated move to protect Dela Rosa from law enforcement.
This incident marks a significant moment in Philippine politics, as it highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Dela Rosa's controversial past and the implications of allowing a senator with an ICC warrant to evade justice. The fallout from this event may lead to increased scrutiny of Senate security protocols and the overall integrity of the institution.