Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday insisted that the Senate was “under attack” following the shooting incident inside the Senate building Wednesday night, rejecting claims that the commotion was staged to distract from the reported exit of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.

During a press briefing, Cayetano became emotional when asked if the incident could still be considered an attack even though Senate security personnel allegedly fired the first warning shot.

“Kung tututukan kita ng baril, papasukin ko ang bahay mo na may baril ako, nag-warning shot ka, pinutukan kita pabalik, is it not an attack?” Cayetano said.

He stressed that there should be “no question” that the Senate was under attack, noting that lawmakers, staff, and media personnel inside the building were placed in danger during the incident.

"I don't think there's any question, the Senate is under attack, was under attack. All of you, your lives were in danger last night. I know it's your job to ask a question, but you will tell me pag kami nagpaputok ng warning shot hindi under attack yon? My God, we are democracy, this is the Senate of the Philippines," said the Senate President.

According to Cayetano, an initial investigation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) showed that 32 shots were fired during the exchange, including 27 rounds allegedly discharged by personnel of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA).

The OSAA reportedly fired a warning shot first after spotting an armed group, but the group allegedly retaliated and took tactical positions, resulting in a three-minute firefight.

Cayetano denied allegations that the incident was staged to help dela Rosa leave the Senate premises amid reports that the senator was under protective custody while facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged role in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

“Napakagaling ko naman mag-orchestrate nang lahat ng ’yan. Kaya ko papuntahin dito mga armadong grupo,” Cayetano said.

In the same press briefing, Cayetano confirmed that dela Rosa had already left the Senate. The confirmation came after a message from the senator’s wife was read during the briefing.

Earlier, Cayetano said four senators received warnings to leave the building minutes before the shooting erupted while lawmakers were waiting for the Articles of Impeachment and holding a caucus.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Loren Legarda also contacted National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag to verify the situation, but were informed that no NBI agents were inside the Senate because they had allegedly been asked to leave earlier that evening.

Cayetano also urged government agencies to immediately address the situation, while advising those inside the Senate to stay low and follow active shooter protocols.

Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the gunfire incident, saying the situation was no longer normal while senators were peacefully holding a caucus inside the building.

The NBI later confirmed that no agents were deployed at the Senate at the time of the shooting, as personnel were attending a meeting at a nearby hotel.

Gunshots were heard inside the Senate Wednesday evening after the Sergeant-at-Arms placed the building under lockdown. Media personnel and staff were also ordered to clear the second floor, where witnesses reported hearing at least 10 gunshots.

The OSAA earlier said its personnel were preparing to arrest an individual but did not provide further details.