NBI, OSAA standoff sparks tension in Senate

A standoff erupted between members of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday after the agents who were earlier cited in contempt tried to leave the premises of the chamber.

During the plenary session, senators approved a motion placing the NBI agents in contempt and under the custody of the chamber after they allegedly tried to block Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa from entering the Senate premises.

"The Jane Does and John Does are held in contempt. I am directing the OSAA to put in Senate custody the said individuals and to detain them in the Senate premises," Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said.

"If they need assistance, you're authorize to coordinate with the PAsay ity PBP until such time those held in contempt can purge themselves, meaning to satisfy us with their explanation," Cayetano added.

This was the first time Dela Rosa went to the Senate since November 11, 2025. He has not attended any session at the Senate amid claims that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant of arrest against him over his links to the controversial war on drugs.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Sandra Aguinaldo, several NBI personnel tried to leave the Senate premises, which has been placed under lockdown since Monday afternoon. It was not immediately known if the NBI men were able to leave.

Meanwhile, an OSAA personnel appeared at the lobby with a red mark on his forehead. He said the NBI agents tried to bring him inside their vehicle. The Senate personnel was brought to the clinic for first aid. —LDF, GMA News