Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has reportedly left the Senate building, ending, at least for now, a tense overnight vigil that followed the sound of gunshots inside the chamber’s premises.
A Senate secretariat employee confirmed to a senator that Dela Rosa left the compound at around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, according to initial information reaching the Senate.
No further official details were immediately available on how the senator exited the building or where he proceeded after leaving the premises.
Separate reports said Dela Rosa was able to leave the Senate with Sen. Robin Padilla, although Padilla’s office has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Dela Rosa’s reported departure came only hours after gunshots were heard on the second floor of the Senate building, triggering confusion and fresh security concerns inside one of the country’s most guarded political institutions.