A road blockade along the Linamen Feeder Road in Barangay Caguisan has sparked a dispute over land ownership and public access, prompting provincial officials to seek a dialogue with the property owner and concerned government agencies.
During the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on June 16, Board Member Ryan Maminta said village officials from Barangay Caguisan sought his assistance following complaints that the closure of the road had affected residents traveling to and from nearby communities.
Maminta stressed that the Linamen Feeder Road is a recognized provincial road and forms part of the province’s official road network.
“Ang Linamen Feeder Road ay rehistradong provincial road,” he said, adding that the road spans 4.36 kilometers and portions of it have already been concreted through provincial government funding.
According to Maminta, the Provincial Government of Palawan has regularly maintained and rehabilitated the road over the years.
“Patuloy at taun-taon halos ay nagkakaroon ng rehabilitasyon ang provincial government of Palawan at naglalaan ng mga pondo upang maisaayos at maging maganda ang daanang ito,” he said.
At the same time, Maminta acknowledged that the current landowner is asserting property rights over the area where the road passes.
“Nakipag-usap din ako sa abogado ng property owner ng lupang ito at sinasabi niya mayroon ding mga private rights na isinasaalang-alang sa pagkakabili po ng lupang ito,” he said.
Based on information gathered during his inquiry, the property was originally owned by the Escubin family in the 1960s before being sold to the Flores family and eventually to the current owner, who later blocked access along the road.
Maminta noted that records indicate the route has been recognized as a provincial road since the 1980s.
“Sa pagsisiyasat ko, 1980s pa diumano ay provincial road na ito. Isa ito sa mga unang-unang provincial road noon kaya naman sa mga dokumentong ating nakalap ay mayroon siyang road ID na nanggagaling at rehistrado mula po sa Department of the Interior and Local Government,” he said.
To prevent further confusion and ensure uninterrupted access for residents, Maminta called for a dialogue involving the landowner, the Provincial Engineering Office, the Provincial Planning and Development Office, zoning and building officials of the Narra local government, and other concerned agencies.
He said discussions are necessary to clarify the road’s legal status and find a solution acceptable to all parties.
