Imagine a quiet Thursday, May 14, 2026. The morning news is buzzing, but not in a good way. The air is thick with the aftermath of what happened Wednesday evening at the Senate. It was a terrifying two hours, starting around 7:30 PM, when the head of Senate security, retired Police Major General Mao Aplasca, declared a lockdown. He announced an arrest was imminent, but kept the identity of the person quiet. Immediately, fear rippled through the building. Journalists, staff, and visitors were caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty.
Then, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a prominent figure, was seen with his team, stepping into an elevator after a meeting with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. This sighting was significant because Senator Dela Rosa is under the Senate’s protection, specifically to shield him from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The plot thickened when grinding noises echoed from behind a door near the GSIS building, followed by seven chilling gunshots. A video from the second floor of the Senate building captured the chaos, showing people frantically running for safety.
In the midst of this pandemonium, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stepped forward, delivering a stern warning to everyone. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda appeared in an online video, his message clear and serious: spreading fake news and inciting violence in the wake of the Senate incident would not be tolerated. He emphasized that those who manipulate information or stir up trouble online could face severe legal consequences. Secretary Aguda highlighted that the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) would be relentless in pursuing those who contribute to the spread of misinformation and violence. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; under the Revised Penal Code, such actions could lead to imprisonment and hefty fines. If these offenses are committed online, the penalties become even more severe.
With the public on edge, Aguda stressed the importance of responsible internet use. He urged everyone to verify information, rely on credible sources, and follow official channels before posting, commenting, or sharing anything online. His message resonated deeply: during times of fear and tension, there’s no room for fake news, unverified stories, edited videos, or misleading posts that only amplify confusion and panic. The DICT and CICC are vigilantly monitoring online activities, ready to intervene if anyone tries to fuel unrest or incite violence.
Senator Dela Rosa’s inclusion on the ICC’s website, where he is listed as “at large” after the unsealing of an arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. The ICC’s documentation shows his journey through the Philippine National Police, from various roles in the Davao Region to becoming the chief of the PNP and director general of the Bureau of Corrections. This background raises critical questions about responsibility and accountability. Alongside him, former President Rodrigo Duterte is also under ICC custody, facing humanitarian charges for alleged killings during his tenure as Davao mayor and later as president. The shadow of these serious allegations looms large, underscoring the high stakes involved in both legal battles and the public’s perception.