Authorities arrested four voters who figured in a fistfight at a polling precinct at the Cotabato City Central Pilot School morning on Monday, May 12, 2025.

The altercation allegedly stemmed from accusations of possible electoral fraud.

One of the four claimed that someone damaged the automated counting machine (ACM).

“Sa dayaan sir wala kaming nakikita diyan sir, kasi botante kami sir at saka may chairman naman, may pulis naman, may BEI at sila nag nagpa-facilitate bawat eskwelahan. After this sir may biglang pumasok pinagsisira yung paraphernalia at saka yung mga PCOS Machine pinagsisira so kami sir botante kame sir,” one of the men arrested said.

“Sir kanina pa sila umaga sir mula 7 o’clock nagareklamo na yung tauhan ko jan mga UBJP kasi di nila pinapapasok, then yung mga watchers namin pinapalabas nila nilo-lock nila ang pinto. Sinabi nila nasira yung mga paraphernalia… walang nasira dun sir. Pumasok kami sir kasi di na nakakabuti ang mga tao Poblacion 6,” another man arrested said.

Authorities have yet to determine who among the four initiated the commotion.

They were taken into police custody and were given first aid. A paralegal team also arrived.

Cotabato City Police Office Director, Col. Jibin Bongcayao, said an investigation has been opened but the four individuals arrested individuals would be allowed to vote.

Meanwhile, another commotion erupted at a separate polling precinct, where voters were heard shouting, allegedly due to tension while waiting in line.

Police officers intervened to restore order.