Gunfire near school disrupts voting in Abra

Gunfire near Sagap Elementary School in Bangued, Abra on election day morning disrupted voting and caused panic among voters; hot pursuit operations continue against individuals suspected of being behind the shooting.

Shots were heard around 7 a.m., leading to people running and fainting during the commotion, with voting briefly stopping but later resuming before noon.

According to police reports, a grey pick-up truck and a white Montero SUV were seen rushing toward Bangued Proper after the incident.

Personnel from Seares Memorial Hospital confirmed that two individuals who sustained gunshot wounds were brought in and are now in stable condition; investigation into the violence is ongoing.

The Philippine National Police denied claims of additional shooting incidents in Pidigan and Tayum, stating these reports were false.

Abra police investigators continue to look into partisan groups' allegations of threats from armed individuals preventing voters from casting their ballots, while rival factions accuse a vice-mayoral candidate's supporters of voter intimidation leading to an exchange of gunfire when police intervened.