Senate on Lockdown After Gunfire Incident
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano declared that the Senate was "allegedly under attack" following reports of gunshots at the Senate building on Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026. In a Facebook video, he called on the government to respond, stating, "Whoever is listening from the government, this is the Senate of the Philippines, we are allegedly under attack."
The incident unfolded minutes after gunfire was heard inside the building. Cayetano revealed that officials had contacted National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, who claimed his personnel could not approach the Senate after being asked to leave earlier that day.
Details of the Exchange
Senate Secretary Mark Llandro "Dong" Mendoza reported that the first shots were fired by "perceived members of the NBI," prompting heavily armed personnel from the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) to return fire. The alleged NBI personnel had attempted to enter the building. The Senate remains on lockdown as authorities assess the situation.
Mendoza assured the public that all senators and employees inside are safe, though officials are still investigating possible injuries. Cayetano later confirmed in another Facebook post that everyone is safe, including Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
NBI Denies Involvement
Director Matibag denied any NBI involvement in the tension, stating he ordered his men to stand down. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla arrived at the Senate to help de-escalate the situation, emphasizing, "We are not here to arrest Senator Bato." Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also arrived to secure the building.
Heavily armed OSAA personnel, police, and Marines converged on the Senate after the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms announced around 7 p.m. that "someone will be arrested," though the target was not identified. Before the gunfire, drilling sounds were heard from the walls on the second floor.
Background: Dela Rosa's Arrest Warrant
The tension erupted hours after Dela Rosa announced via Facebook Live that he had information the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and NBI would arrest him after the plenary session and fly him to The Hague. He urged supporters to gather for a prayer vigil in front of the Senate to prevent the arrest.
Dela Rosa faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war. Duterte has been detained in The Hague since March 2025. The NBI previously failed to serve the warrant against Dela Rosa, who returned to the chamber on May 11, 2026, after a six-month absence and is under Senate protective custody.
