Palace Validates Reports of Senator Dela Rosa's Absence from Senate Amid ICC Warrant Tensions

The Philippine Presidential Palace is currently validating reports that Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa is no longer present within the Senate premises. This development follows a tense standoff involving the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which attempted but failed to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against the senator. Dela Rosa, identified as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity related to the previous administration's drug war, had been under Senate protective custody. The situation escalated on May 13, 2026, when gunshots were heard inside the Senate building. Palace officials clarified that the Senate Office of Sergeant-at-Arms chief fired the first shots, clearing the NBI of conducting an assault operation. NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that agents stood down following a Supreme Court order granting respondents time to comment on Dela Rosa’s motion to halt his arrest. Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced an investigation into allegations that the tension was staged to facilitate Dela Rosa’s escape. The incident highlights the ongoing legal and political friction surrounding the enforcement of international warrants in the Philippines.