PUALAS, Lanao del Sur — More than 80 individuals believed to be supporters of a local politician were arrested Monday at Pualas National High School following a fistfight and stone-throwing incident that disrupted the election process.

Soldiers from the 103rd Infantry Brigade responded to the commotion and ordered the group to lie face down on the ground to prevent further violence.

Brigadier Gen. Billy de la Rosa, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the suspects were all residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del Norte and had traveled to Pualas to allegedly interfere with the election.

“They were preparing to harass the Talambo polling center. Fortunately, our troops quickly pacified the situation,” de la Rosa said.

NABBED. More than 80 individuals, allegedly supporters of a local politician, are arrested at Pualas National High School in Tambo, Pualas, Lanao del Sur, following a fistfight and stone-throwing incident on Monday. Authorities say the group disrupted the election process and violated the election gun ban. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

According to the brigade’s report, the disturbance began around 4 pm with a fistfight and escalated to stone-throwing.

Seized from the suspects were five pistols and seven magazines, a clear violation of the election gun ban.

The arrested individuals were later brought to the Pualas Municipal Police Station with their hands restrained using cable ties.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the group’s intent and possible links to election-related violence.