Multiple gunshots sent Philippine senators into hiding in their offices late on Wednesday, as a legislator wanted by the International Criminal Court sought refuge in the building.

At least five shots rang out, AFP news agency reported, minutes after soldiers with rifles and protective gear went up the stairs of the senate building.

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla told reporters there were no casualties, adding that the search for the gunmen was ongoing.

The dramatic scene unfolded as Senator Ronald Dela Rosa – former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's top enforcer during his drug war – holed up in the building to dodge arrest and transfer to the Netherlands over alleged crimes against humanity.

The fugitive senator remains inside the building, said Remulla, who arrived on the scene minutes after the gunfire.

"I am here to ensure the integrity of the Senate and the protection of all the senators," Remulla said.

He added that Dela Rosa "is safe. He is with security personnel. He has been informed of our activities. We have assured him that there is no warrant of arrest to be served."

Earlier on Wednesday, Dela Rosa had appealed to the military to oppose attempts to detain him, urging former colleagues to resist any move by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' government to hand him over to the ICC.

"My fellow men in uniform" should "express their sentiment" that the government "should not hand me over to foreigners", he said. (AFP)


Edited by Aaron Tam