DILG chief says dela Rosa 'safe' amid Senate lockdown
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday, May 13, said Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was safe and under the protection of security personnel amid a lockdown at the Senate building following reports of gunfire.
Remulla said authorities were conducting a security sweep inside the Senate complex and clarified that there was no operation to arrest dela Rosa.
“Politics goes out the window. We all belong to one country and we all will lead one nation,” Remulla said, who earlier arrived at the Senate complex to “secure” the senators.
“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,” he added.
Remulla also said he had assured dela Rosa’s family that authorities were focused on ensuring the safety of senators and preserving order inside the Senate.
According to Remulla, dela Rosa wanted to remain in his Senate chambers to rest.
He added that the senator had been briefed on the activities being carried out in the building.
Gunshots were reported Wednesday evening during the lockdown at the Senate, where dela Rosa had earlier been placed under protective custody.
The tension followed the decision of the Supreme Court not to issue a temporary restraining order sought by dela Rosa in connection with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
Authorities are still investigating the incident, including the number and identities of those involved in the shooting.
Remulla said investigators are reviewing CCTV footage as part of the probe.