Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday called on the leadership of the Senate and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) to immediately clarify circulating reports that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had allegedly left or escaped the Senate premises following the tense security incident and reported gunfire inside the complex.

In a statement, Gatchalian said the public deserves a clear explanation amid growing speculation surrounding dela Rosa’s whereabouts.

“Mabigat ang ugong sa mga balita na nakatakas na si Sen. Bato Dela Rosa. Mariing nananawagan ako sa liderato ng Senado kasama ang Sergeant-at-Arms na magpaliwanag sa publiko kung totoo o hindi totoo ang lumalabas na balita,” Gatchalian said.

The appeal came hours after chaos erupted inside and around the Senate compound following reports of gunshots and an alleged attempted breach involving armed individuals.

Security forces later confirmed that warning shots were fired during efforts to secure the area, while authorities assured the public that no casualties were reported.

Amid the confusion, multiple reports claimed that dela Rosa had already exited the Senate premises despite heightened security measures and lockdown protocols implemented during the incident.

Authorities have yet to issue an official confirmation regarding dela Rosa’s current location as investigations continue into the reported shooting incident and the alleged breach inside the Senate complex.