Bato still inside Senate, camp denies gunshots were diversion tactic

Posted by ReyFort Media

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of Senator Ronald dela Rosa denied allegations that the gunshots heard near the Senate premises on Wednesday night were part of a diversion tactic intended to help the senator leave the building amid tensions over his possible arrest.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon shared a photo and video around 12:13 a.m. Thursday showing Dela Rosa still inside the Senate premises while looking toward the area where a police line had been established, allegedly near the site of the shooting incident.

Torreon said the post was meant to counter claims circulating online that the gunfire had been staged to allow Dela Rosa to escape.

“Some are saying the shooting was just a diversion tactic so Senator Dela Rosa could leave the Senate, so let us post this to stop those stories,” Torreon said.

“We thank Allah that Senator Ronald dela Rosa, his staff, and also my fellow lawyers Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, Atty. Jabo Celaje, and Atty. Anna Alvarez are safe. The other senators and their staff are also safe. Alhamdulillah,” he added.

Authorities earlier said unidentified individuals were involved in the shooting incident outside the Senate complex on Wednesday night, prompting heightened security in the area. (J.D. Danio/Manila Times)