PUALAS, Lanao del Sur (June 5, 2026) — A political dispute linked to a controversial election-related petition erupted into a heated confrontation between supporters of rival political factions at the Municipal Hall of Pualas, Lanao del Sur on Thursday afternoon, prompting a rapid response from law enforcement authorities and the military.
According to the Pualas Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred at around 4:50 p.m. on June 4 at the municipal hall in Barangay Talambo, where tensions escalated into a public commotion involving individuals associated with opposing political camps.
Initial police investigation revealed that the dispute stemmed from a municipal publication posted on the bulletin board of the municipal hall. The posted document reportedly contained a petition concerning the exclusion of certain individuals from the Election Registration Board (ERB), which was allegedly filed by former Pualas Vice Mayor Dianaton Tanog.
Authorities said the situation became increasingly tense after supporters from different political groups began discussing the petition. The atmosphere further deteriorated when Tony Tanog, accompanied by several supporters, arrived at the municipal hall while former Vice Mayor Dianaton Tanog was reportedly present inside the building.
Police reports indicate that Tony Tanog and his companions approached and confronted one of the escorts of the former vice mayor regarding the controversial petition. What began as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into a heated argument and physical commotion outside the municipal hall, drawing the attention of government employees, residents, and passersby.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic as supporters from both camps converged in front of the municipal building, raising fears that the confrontation could spiral into violence amid heightened political tensions in the municipality.
A concerned citizen immediately alerted authorities, prompting a swift deployment of security forces to the area.
Personnel of the Pualas Municipal Police Station led by Acting Chief of Police Police Captain Timothy B. Lappao responded to the incident, assisted by troops from the Alpha Company of the 51st Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Executive Officer 2nd Lieutenant Joel Tabanganay.
The combined police and military forces immediately intervened and separated the opposing groups, preventing the situation from escalating into a larger clash.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident and that peace and order were quickly restored following the intervention of security personnel.
The Pualas MPS has launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the altercation and to identify any possible violations of law committed by those involved.
As of press time, investigators have yet to establish the definitive root cause of the confrontation, although authorities believe the dispute is closely linked to the contentious ERB exclusion petition and the ongoing political rivalry in the municipality.
Police and military officials have appealed to supporters of both political camps to remain calm and exercise restraint, warning against actions that could incite violence or further inflame tensions.
The incident comes amid an increasingly charged political climate in several parts of Lanao del Sur, where local political rivalries continue to influence public discourse and governance. Authorities assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation to prevent similar disturbances and maintain peace and stability in the municipality.
The investigation remains ongoing.