Three individuals allegedly associated with an anti-mining group were arrested Wednesday after they reportedly obstructed a road in Barangay Paquet, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, police said.

The Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO) said the incident occurred along Aling Barangay Road on Aug. 19, when a service vehicle carrying diesel for the improvement of farm-to-market roads in Barangay Pao encountered a roadblock.

At around 7:40 a.m., an Isuzu Elf truck loaded with seven barrels of diesel reportedly came across a bamboo barricade blocking the road.

A barangay kagawad alerted authorities about five minutes later, prompting personnel from the Kasibu Police Station, led by acting chief of police PCPT Lloyd G. Guillermo, to respond.

Police said they initially tried to resolve the situation through dialogue and asked those at the scene to clear the roadway.

However, the group allegedly lowered the bamboo barricade and placed additional obstacles across the road, preventing the service vehicle from passing.

After efforts to resolve the obstruction peacefully failed, police arrested three individuals, according to the NVPPO.

The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and taken to the Kasibu Police Station for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings.

The NVPPO said it recognizes the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and lawful advocacy, particularly in matters involving community and environmental concerns.

However, police stressed that these rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law and should not unduly interfere with lawful activities, public services, or the rights of other community members.

The police office said its response was aimed at maintaining public order, ensuring the safe and unobstructed movement of vehicles, and protecting the delivery of services to local farmers and residents.

The NVPPO reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law while respecting human rights and urged organizations and advocacy groups to pursue their concerns through lawful and peaceful means without compromising public safety or essential community services.