Clash erupted outside the Senate compound on Tuesday morning after a confrontation between police officers and supporters of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa over the staging of a gathering and the use of sound equipment near the gate of the upper chamber.
According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort on "DZRH's Damdaming Bayan," the incident occurred as members of the Pasay City Police, led by Chief Col. Joselito de Sesto, attempted to enforce restrictions on the placement of a sound system set up by supporters.
Police said the activity was not allowed directly at the Senate gate, though it could be conducted in a designated area nearby.
Supporters of dela Rosa resisted the instruction, leading to a heated exchange. Some individuals expressed fears that the senator could be arrested and allegedly taken abroad under a warrant from the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
Several supporters claimed they were acting out of concern that dela Rosa could be forcibly detained, drawing comparisons to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, though no official confirmation of any such action has been issued by authorities.
“Baka maulit ulit ‘yung ginawa kay Tatay Digong na kinidnap para sa akin,” one supporter said, insisting they were prepared to protect the senator.
Another supporter said they were willing to go to extreme lengths to defend Dela Rosa, who has reportedly been absent from Senate sessions for months.
“Kaya kong magsakripisyo ng buhay ko, protektahan lang si Senator Bato Dela Rosa… kahit mag-isa lang ako,” the supporter added.
Tensions escalated further when a supporter allegedly shouted, swore at police and threw a monoblock chair, prompting warnings from authorities.
De Sesto reiterated that anyone found damaging property or violating police orders would be arrested.
The group identified as “MASA para sa Duterte alliance” insisted they had a permit to hold a program outside the Senate, though police maintained that restrictions on the immediate gate area remained in place.
Despite the confrontation, supporters continued their gathering and vowed not to leave, saying they would maintain their presence until concerns over the senator’s alleged legal situation were addressed.
Security at the Senate remained tight throughout the day, with additional 200 personnel deployed from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), as NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin also arrived outside the Senate.
Meanwhile, dela Rosa is currently under Senate protective custody.
Some supporters reportedly spent the night outside the Senate compound on Monday, where a program was also held the previous evening attended by former Malacañang Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles alongside Dela Rosa’s supporters.
WATCH: Dating Malacañang Press Secretary Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles nagtungo sa labas ng senado ngayong gabi kasama ang mga taga-suporta ni Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa. | RH 27 @cacas_noche, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/7mN2JF5GDU
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 11, 2026
In a video call during the gathering, dela Rosa thanked his supporters for their continued backing, according to attendees.
WATCH: Senator Bato Dela Rosa, naka-video call ang isa sa kanyang mga supporter; nagpapasalamat sa suporta ng mga nagmamahal sa kanya | RH 27 @cacas_noche, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/syUYKzwV2I
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 11, 2026
