Gunshots were heard inside the Philippine Senate building in Manila on Wednesday as tensions escalated over a possible attempt to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over crimes against humanity linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly “war on drugs.”

Reuters witnesses reported hearing gunfire while people inside the building were told to take cover. More than ten soldiers in camouflage uniforms were seen arriving at the Senate, some carrying assault rifles, though officials did not immediately clarify why troops were deployed.

Dela Rosa, a former national police chief and one of Duterte’s closest allies, said in a Facebook video that his arrest was imminent and urged supporters to prevent authorities from transferring “another Filipino to The Hague.”

The ICC arrest warrant, made public this week, accuses dela Rosa of crimes against humanity tied to thousands of killings during anti-drug operations. Human rights groups have long accused Philippine police of systematic extrajudicial killings, allegations authorities deny.

Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza said no injuries had been reported following the shooting and that the situation remained under assessment.