A group reportedly barged in and forcibly tore down official ballots in two precincts in Pilot Elementary School in Brg. Kalipay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Monday, Oct. 30, according to Commission on Election (Comelec) chairman George Garcia.

"Sir confirmed po in 2 precincts sa Puerto Princesa Pilot Elem School. Pinasok ng grupo ng mga Muslim at sapilitang kinuha ang mga official ballots at pinunit,” he said in an message sent to DZRH.

Garcia said members of the group was arrested and are now detained.

“Ang naging resolution po ng EBs [electronic boards], na lahat naman po ay safe sa guidance na din ni PES and EO na lahat po ng darating para bumoto ay ililista at after ng 3pm na voting, yung mga hindi nagamit ng mga neighboring na precincts ang gagamitin,” he said.

The poll body sent some pictures taken inside the precincts, and noticeably, destroyed official ballots were scattered on the floor.

Based on authorities’ initial report sent to DZRH, the incident occurred at 10:52 AM in precincts No. 121 and 122 of Pilot Elementary School.

“[A] commotion was reported among the supporters of the candidates. It was later discovered that the unused ballot forms were destroyed inside the precinct mentioned earlier,” the report reads.

One of the arrested suspects was identified as Abdul Bait Bongaros, a 35-year-old resident of Brgy. Princesa.

“A case of violation of Omnibus Election Code Sec 261 (z) was filed [against the arrested suspect]. Additional personnel are being deployed to the polling center,” it said.