Three anti-mining group members arrested over alleged road obstruction
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Three personsallegedly associated with an anti-mining group were arrested after a truck carrying diesel for a farm-to-market road project was blocked at a barricade in Barangay Paquet, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, on Aug. 19.
The Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO) said an Isuzu Elf truck carrying seven barrels of diesel was reportedly stopped by a bamboo barricade and other physical obstacles at around 7:40 a.m. along Aling Barangay Road.
The fuel was intended for the improvement of farm-to-market roads in Barangay Pao.
Police said they received a report from a barangay kagawad at around 7:45 a.m. and immediately dispatched personnel from the Kasibu Police Station to the area.
Responding officers, led by PCPT Lloyd G. Guillermo, acting chief of police, initially engaged the group in dialogue. However, police said the barricade was lowered and the road remained blocked.
The NVPPO said the three individuals were subsequently arrested after they allegedly refused to clear the passage and continued to defy police intervention.
Authorities emphasized that the arrests were made in connection with alleged grave coercion and disobedience.
Police reiterated that while they respect the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and advocacy, such rights shouldbe exercised within the bounds of the law and without disrupting public services.
Authorities urged advocacy groups and other sectors to pursue their concerns through lawful and peaceful means.