The case involves arson attacks on two schools in Maguindanao that were meant to be used as polling places for the upcoming barangay elections. Arson is the act of intentionally setting fire to property, which in this case, are the schools targeted for the upcoming elections. The arsonist executed the crime by entering the school premises, likely during the night or when there were no witnesses around, and deliberately starting fires with the intent to cause damage to the buildings. Arson attacks like these are not only criminal acts but also disrupt the democratic process by targeting essential locations for the electoral process.