Eleven people were arrested after police intervened to clear an anti-mining barricade that blocked several vehicles carrying fuel and supplies along a public road in Barangay Paquet, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, on 28 August, the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) said.

PRO2 said the Kasibu Municipal Police Station responded to a 911 emergency call from a barangay chairman who reported that three vehicles were being prevented from passing through the barricade.

Police initially tried to resolve the standoff through dialogue and negotiation, repeatedly asking the protesters to voluntarily clear the road, according to PRO2.

The police said the road had been certified as a public road by the Kasibu municipal mayor.

PRO2 said police intervention was carried out only after efforts to peacefully resolve the standoff had been exhausted and some members of the group allegedly continued to resist and commit acts that violated the law.

The operation led to the arrest of 11 individuals for alleged grave coercion and violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, or resistance and disobedience to persons in authority.

Five police officers were also injured during the operation, PRO2 said.

The regional police office acknowledged ongoing tensions in Kasibu involving residents opposed to mining activities and the North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC), which PRO2 said is operating under permits and approvals issued by government authorities, particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

PRO2 said it recognizes residents’ constitutional right to express concerns and oppose mining activities, but stressed that police are also mandated to maintain peace and order, protect public safety and enforce the law when conflicts arise.

The police regional office also addressed photos and videos circulating online that showed police personnel arresting civilians.

PRO2 said the footage should be viewed in the context of the events preceding the arrests, including the emergency call, the reported obstruction of a public road, attempts at dialogue and repeated appeals to voluntarily remove the barricade.

It also warned the public against sharing unverified material, noting that one widely circulated photograph was not taken in Kasibu but came from another part of Nueva Vizcaya during a previous incident.

PRO2 said it remains committed to conducting police operations with professionalism, restraint, impartiality and accountability while respecting human rights, the Constitution and the rule of law.