Philippines suspends Senate security chief after Senate shootout and ICC-linked escape

Friday 15 May 2026 - 09:45

The Philippine government has suspended the Senate’s top security official following a dramatic shootout inside the Senate complex that intensified political tensions in the country. The incident also reportedly led to the escape of a politician wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The country’s anti-corruption authority announced a six-month preventive suspension against Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca while investigations continue into the events that unfolded inside the Senate building in Manila.

According to officials, the suspension aims to facilitate an impartial investigation into the security failures and the armed confrontation that shocked the nation. Authorities described the situation as serious and unprecedented.

The incident occurred after Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte and a key figure in the controversial anti-drug campaign, allegedly called on supporters to mobilize against a possible arrest linked to an ICC warrant.

Security forces and investigators were later deployed to the Senate complex following reports of gunfire and rising tensions between Senate security personnel and agents from the National Bureau of Investigation.

Mao Aplasca acknowledged that he fired a warning shot during a tense confrontation with investigators inside the Senate premises. No major casualties were immediately reported, but the incident has raised concerns about political stability and institutional security in the Philippines.

The case has also renewed international attention on the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign launched during Duterte’s presidency. Human rights organizations and international observers have long criticized the campaign because of allegations of extrajudicial violence and abuses.

Political analysts believe the latest developments could deepen divisions within the Philippine political landscape, especially as investigations by international institutions continue to affect prominent political figures.