CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Residents in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro expressed concern Wednesday night, May 13, over escalating tensions inside the Philippine Senate following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa over the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Residents said the reported lockdowns, heightened security, and alleged gunfire incidents inside the Senate have damaged the institution’s image and raised fears over deepening political instability.
Peter Sanchez, entrepreneur and president of the Barangay Gusa Micro Entrepreneur Association (GUMEA), said the standoff inside the Senate reflects poorly on the country’s democratic institutions and may further erode public trust.
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“We hope Senator dela Rosa will respect the legal process and comply with both local and international laws to help ensure a peaceful resolution for the nation,” Sanchez said.
Benji Aranas, a hairstylist and educator from Barangay Balubal, said the situation has created public anxiety and raised concerns about confidence in government institutions.
“Ang pinakadelikado ani dili lang ang lockdown o tension kundili ang posibilidad nga nagkagamay ang pagsalig sa publiko sa mga institusyon sa gobyerno. Kung ang Senado mismo mahimong lugar sa standoff ug political protection, makaalarma gyud kini sa katawhan,” Aranas said.
Residents also raised concerns about the safety of journalists assigned to cover the volatile situation.
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter Chairperson Franck Dick Rosete said journalists continue to perform their duties despite the risks surrounding highly sensitive political events.
Rosete added that the NUJP has peer support groups ready to assist media workers who may experience stress or trauma while covering dangerous assignments.
