Tensions intensified outside the Senate of the Philippines on Wednesday night after supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa turned aggressive and attempted to breach police barricades amid rumors of a possible arrest operation.

Groups of supporters reportedly surged toward police lines along the northbound lane of Diokno Boulevard, trying to dismantle barricades while shouting insults at officers deployed in the area.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), more than 1,400 police personnel had already been deployed outside the Senate complex, with an additional 300 officers expected to reinforce security operations, bringing the total to around 1,700 personnel. The heightened deployment was confirmed by Nicolas Torre Aberin of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

The unrest escalated further after reports circulated of alleged gunfire inside the Senate building, prompting tighter security measures within the compound. Senate security personnel reportedly reinforced gates with additional metal barriers and maintained barbed wire defenses to prevent unauthorized entry.

Authorities placed the NCRPO under heightened alert status as police attempted to calm supporters gathered near the Senate gates following widespread speculation that Dela Rosa could be arrested and transferred to The Hague in connection with the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation.

Despite the growing tension, officials earlier stated in an ambush interview that no arrest operation was scheduled to take place on Wednesday night.

Prior to the reported gunshots, multiple vehicles carrying senior police officials were seen arriving at the Senate complex as security operations intensified in the area.