MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA) -- Raising awareness about the need for responsible road usage and encouraging compliance with regulations aimed at preserving road clarity and safety, the Mambajao Public Order and Safety Office tackled issues of road obstruction in a recent radio program. 

“Usually, mga nahitabo nga obstruction, maka-connect na siya sa illegal parking or improper parking sa usa ka sakyanan," said Atanacio P. Lusdoc Jr., Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) chief of Mambajao, on March 19.

(Usually, illegal or improper parking of a car can cause obstructions.)

He went on to note that occasionally there are obstacles that can keep individuals from reaching the gutter, especially if there are business buildings that use spaces on the road for displays.

To address road obstruction and ensure road safety, Lusdoc said POSO officers would penalize P500 for the first offense against those who park illegally. Clamped vehicles' owners will face a P800 fine.

This enforcement not only targets daytime violations but also overnight parking starting10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., which can result in impacts on the flow of traffic.

Moreover, vehicles of various sizes, from four-wheelers to ten-wheelers, contribute to the problem, prompting the frequent conduct of inspections of the POSO office in their designated areas of responsibility. These measures aim to maintain a smooth flow of public and private vehicles while securing the public safety of the people of the town.

Kenneth John J. Añana of the Department of Public Works and Highways highlighted Department Order No. 73 Series of 2014, or the prohibited uses within the right-of-way of national roads, in pursuance of Section 23 of Presidential Decree No. 17, known as the Philippine National Highway Act.

“Ga-issue lang mi'g notice of obstruction gikan sa first notice kung naka-obstruct ba siya. I-confirm namo. Then, if naka-obstruct gayud siya, maghimo mi og sketch plan nga pila ka meters gikan sa center line, kung pila ka meters ilang na-obstruct. Then mag-issue dayun mig notice of obstruction,” Añana said.

[We only issue a notice of obstruction from the first notice if a person has caused an obstruction. And we confirm. If he has indeed obstructed the road, we will create a sketch plan that indicates the number of meters they have blocked from the center line. Then we will issue a notice of obstruction.]

He explained that this would help them assess the situation and determine what action they would take to address the issue. 

Lusdoc said the local government unit and key national line agencies work together to maintain clear roads, emphasizing the significance of ensuring unobstructed pathways for both vehicular traffic and pedestrians. He added that clear roads facilitate smooth and safe transportation, reduce the risk of accidents, and enhance overall road efficiency, especially now that a great influx of locals and tourists is expected during the holy week for the annual Panaad.

Additionally, unobstructed roads contribute to improved emergency response times and enable better access for public services such as waste management and utility maintenance. (MGAB/PIA-10)