The Senate of the Philippines was placed under lockdown on May 11, 2026, after National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents attempted to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. The incident occurred when the NBI entered the Senate premises, allegedly to enforce an arrest order from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
CCTV footage showed NBI agents chasing Dela Rosa and his staff as they attempted to apprehend him. In response to the escalating situation, the Senate authorities restricted all individuals, including lawmakers and NBI personnel, from entering or exiting the compound.
Senator Dela Rosa's Claims
Dela Rosa resurfaced in the Senate after a prolonged absence, citing concerns over a possible ICC arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration's controversial drug war. He claimed that NBI agents had attempted to block him from entering the Senate, intensifying the conflict.
I was blocked from entering the Senate by NBI agents. This is an unprecedented situation.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa
Prior to the incident, Senator Robin Padilla had advised Dela Rosa to stay out of the public eye due to rumors of an impending ICC arrest order. As of now, the Senate lockdown remains in effect with no announced timeframe for its conclusion.