Filipinos highlighted the importance of journalists amid the Senate shooting that occurred on Wednesday evening, May 13.
Several reporters and cameramen risked their lives when gunshots were fired inside the Senate building, where Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa had taken refuge as he faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, has been identified by the ICC as an “indirect co-perpetrator” in killings linked to the Duterte administration’s “War on Drugs” campaign.
Accounts of the incident state that as early as the afternoon of May 13, Dela Rosa went live on Facebook and claimed that government authorities would arrest him.
By around 7 p.m., reporters were informed by the Senate’s Office of the Senate-at-Arms (OSAA) that the Senate would go on a lockdown and they were given the option to leave the premises.
Marines carrying long firearms later entered the building.
Around 7:45 p.m., gunshots were heard and a few minutes later, journalists were instructed to evacuate the building.
The Articles of Impeachment were later transmitted to the Senate compound.
By 9 p.m., senators, particularly members of the majority bloc, had left the building by past 9 p.m.
Before that, they were seen having a meal with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who was later spotted in a photo appearing to be laughing after the shooting.
The tensed situation left journalists struggling to cover developments amid the chaos and risks to their safety.
Some observers contrasted the reporters’ experience with that of senators who were seen having a meal.
In one photo, some journalists were seen sitting on the stairs, visibly distressed.
“The disparity is evident in the Senate Putukan aftermath…” an online user wrote.
The disparity is evident in the Senate Putukan aftermath…
Senators: Journalists: pic.twitter.com/WnjX10x63s
— Decoy (@22three7eleven) May 13, 2026
Several Filipinos then recognized the work of journalists on the ground as they continued covering the incident despite the risks to their safety.
“GRABE!! Kudos sa mga journalists talaga, ta’s sasabihan lang na tumatanggap sila ng mga maleta? Eh kayo? Nasaan kayo sa mga panahong ganito? SALUDO sa mga journalists!” an online user commented.
“Time check: 8:48 p.m., and Victoria Tulad is still delivering live updates from the Senate. In times of crisis, nasaan ang influencers? vloggers? Meanwhile, journalists are literally [in] the line of fire,” another wrote.
Time check: 8:48 PM, and Victoria Tulad is still delivering live updates from the Senate.
In times of crisis, nasaan ang influencers? vloggers? Meanwhile, journalists are literally on the line of fire. pic.twitter.com/6wmRYtwJ1E
— rich (@richardmz13) May 13, 2026
“We salute the journalists at the Senate who stood their ground amidst the gunfire. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service to the truth. We are praying deeply for your safety,” an X user commented.
We salute the journalists at the Senate who stood their ground amidst the gunfire. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service to the truth. We are praying deeply for your safety. 🫡 https://t.co/J3q5kIj1M1
— jaja (@arzntrrs) May 13, 2026
“Maeanne Los Baños of News5 was literally just a few feet away when the gunshots were fired. NAKAKAKILABOT. Please keep all our journalists, their teams, and all civilians inside the Senate, safe,” another Pinoy said.
maeanne los baños of news5 was literally just a few feet away when the gunshots were fired. NAKAKAKILABOT. please keep all our journalists, their teams, and all civilians inside the senate safe. https://t.co/C2BLAwY8Mp
— hya’s pr assistant (@hyaselyse) May 13, 2026
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) likewise lauded fellow journalists for their work.
“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines salutes our colleagues who stood their ground to deliver accurate and timely information to the public in spite of the confusion and danger that unfolded in the Senate last night,” it said in a statement on Thursday, May 14.
“While the incident raised a lot of questions, what is clear is that journalists and media workers performed their duty to keep the public informed of the situation under difficult and volatile circumstances,” the NUJP added.
“The incident also revealed the willingness of the authorities and certain politicians to put the safety of journalists, Senate employees and other civilians at risk in order to protect narrow interests,” it said.
“State security forces must at all times ensure the safety of civilians and members of the press, instead of acting as private bodyguards of politicians,” the organization continued.
It also urged newsrooms to “extend psychological first aid to their frontliners.”
The NUJP likewise said it was “ready to provide assistance to colleagues who may have experienced trauma.”
The media is considered the “fourth estate” in a democratic society, alongside the Legislative (Congress), Executive (President) and Judicial (Court) branches.
The term highlights the media’s power as a watchdog, scrutinizing public officials, exposing corruption and promoting transparency.
