BANGUED, May 11 -- Authorities arrested 12 individuals and confiscated several firearms and ammunition in an operation in Pidigan town over the weekend.

A lawyer who tried to intervene was likewise arrested and may be charged with obstruction of justice.

Col. Daniel Pel-ey, spokesperson and chief of community affairs of the Abra Provincial Police Office, said in a press briefing Sunday that the arrests prevented the possible use of weapons that may disrupt the polls.

"Maganda at nahuli natin dahil hindi na nila magagamit makapanggulo sa araw ng election (it is good they were arrested and they won't be able to use these to cause trouble)," Pel-ey said.

The operation stemmed from a reported disturbance in Barangay Laskig around 5:20 p.m...