Hot pursuit operations are underway to apprehend those responsible.
BANGUED, Abra – A shooting incident near a polling center in Bangued, Abra, disrupted voting on Monday morning during the 2025 Philippine elections. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed that hot pursuit operations are underway to apprehend those responsible.
“A hot pursuit operation is currently underway to track down the possible shooter,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated in an ambush interview. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. near Sagap Elementary School in Barangay Sagap. Gunfire erupted, causing widespread panic among voters.
Videos circulating on social media show people fleeing the scene in a state of alarm. Some individuals reportedly fainted during the commotion.
Voting was temporarily suspended for several minutes but has since resumed. Two individuals sustained gunshot wounds, one to the shoulder and another to the back.
Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment; their conditions are currently unknown. The Comelec is working with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of voters and election officials. The investigation is ongoing.
