By Armando Fenequito Jr.
DAVAO CITY -- The city council is set to pass an ordinance prohibiting any group or individual from blocking roads and highways for protest actions and other activities.
Vice Mayor Bernie Al-ag (FACEBOOK/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag proposed this during the City Peace and Order Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon after the militant Kilusang Mayong Uno (KMU) blocked the highway in Barangay Lasang last Monday and tied up vehicular traffic flow for more than two hours.
"This not the first time it happened in the city because in 2016 they also did the same thing here," he said, referring to a similar incident in Barangay Panacan that year.
Al-ag said the proposed ordinance intends to penalize individuals or groups who will block any road and stop traffic in the city.
The vice mayor said he wants to give the police more powers to prevent road blockades.
Al-ag said if the ordinance will be approved there will a penalty of up to one year imprisonment and a fine of P5,000.
"I would make this a priority legislation so that there will be no individuals or groups who would block our roads," he said.
He clarified that the city is not prohibiting any assembly or rally but this should be in the proper place and area and not on city streets and highways.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Alexander C. Tagum backed the proposed ordinance.
Tagum said protesters are allowed to hold rallies in parks.
Vice Mayor Bernie Al-ag (FACEBOOK/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag proposed this during the City Peace and Order Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon after the militant Kilusang Mayong Uno (KMU) blocked the highway in Barangay Lasang last Monday and tied up vehicular traffic flow for more than two hours.
"This not the first time it happened in the city because in 2016 they also did the same thing here," he said, referring to a similar incident in Barangay Panacan that year.
Al-ag said the proposed ordinance intends to penalize individuals or groups who will block any road and stop traffic in the city.
The vice mayor said he wants to give the police more powers to prevent road blockades.
Al-ag said if the ordinance will be approved there will a penalty of up to one year imprisonment and a fine of P5,000.
"I would make this a priority legislation so that there will be no individuals or groups who would block our roads," he said.
He clarified that the city is not prohibiting any assembly or rally but this should be in the proper place and area and not on city streets and highways.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Alexander C. Tagum backed the proposed ordinance.
Tagum said protesters are allowed to hold rallies in parks.