THE militant groups have caused a four-hour gridlock starting around 4 p.m. on Monday, October 22, after they barricaded the national highway near Task Force Davao (TFD) checkpoint in Licanan, Bunawan, Davao City.
They attempted to enter the city but were stopped by the troops because they could not present a permit to rally.
TFD commander Colonel Nolasco Mempin said based on the incident report, about 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the combined elements of TFD, Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB11) and Bunawan Police Station flagged down six Golden buses, one PUJ and one Forward Truck loaded with around 200 Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) members.
The individuals allegedly planned to conduct protest actions in Davao City.
Among their identified leaders are Pedro Arnado of KMP Compostela Valley and Tony Saludre of Kilusang Mayo Uno Davao.
The vehicles were subjected to normal inspection and the PUJ with plate number LHC 906 returned to Compostela Valley as it was out of line.
Mempin, together with Police Chief Inspector Estrello Ramiso, PS6 commander, was able to convince the rallyists to open the lane going North (Tagum area).
By 8 a.m., Mempin and Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum asked Barangay Captain Allan Simuag of Lasang to invoke to protesters and cite the rights of people of Davao particularly residents of Barangay Lasang and the commuters as the barricade has already caused inconvenience.
He added that Lasang residents warned the protesters that they will break their human barricade. After 15 minutes, the protesters voluntary heeded the call and opened the highway to motorists.
“Through effective negotiation, protesters gave in and allowed to open both directions of the national highway to traffic. Finally, at around 8:17 (p.m.) they all returned to Comval Province with no untoward incident,” the report added.
Meanwhile, Tagum said that they are studying the filing of case against the militants for causing public disturbance.