Davao oriental: A court order is not needed for clearing public roads, aligning police actions with Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) and a Department of the Interior and Local Government circular on removing road hazards. The local police thus affirmed the right to public access to solve a dispute in Barangay Macambol here, following an operation that dismantled a barricade on a vital road.

According to Philippines News Agency, the action underscored the government's commitment to ensuring unimpeded public access for community welfare and economic development, Davao Region police spokesperson Maj. Catherine Dela Rey said in an interview Saturday. Dela Rey said the police removed a barricade near Hallmark Mining Corporation on July 2, allegedly set up by a private landowner because of overlapping in a titled property.

"Road clearing operations conducted by barangay officials and backed up by the police are a lawful exercise and part of their administrative duty," she said. Barangay Macambol Chair Cerino Danzalan Salazar said the blocked road, connecting Dawan, Mamali, Macambol and Cabuaya, has been used for decades.

This was also confirmed by former chair Braulio Cheng, who said it was declared a provincial road during the administration of former Davao Oriental governor Palma Gil in the early 70s. The landowner and two farmers were arrested but have posted bail.

Dela Rey said the police will readily provide enforcement support to village officials should the road be barricaded again.