DAVAO ORIENTAL — Authorities are investigating a bizarre and alarming incident in Barangay San Ignacio, Manay, Davao Oriental after a group led by a man known as Datu Watawat, also calling himself “Senior Rubin Hari,” set up a barricade along a public road on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025.

According to reports, the group blocked a section of a public thoroughfare and claimed that they “own the entire world,” asserting supposed authority over the land and the area. The situation escalated when members of the group allegedly began collecting money from passing motorists and even from government representatives, causing traffic disruptions and confusion among residents and travelers.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine possible violations of the law, including illegal obstruction of a public road, extortion, and other related offenses. Local authorities are also working to assess whether the group’s actions may be linked to deeper issues such as organized deception, unlawful assertion of authority, or potential mental health concerns.

While no violence was immediately reported, the incident raised serious public safety and governance concerns. Public roads are meant to be accessible to all, and any attempt by private individuals or groups to claim ownership—especially through intimidation or illegal collections—undermines the rule of law. The fact that this occurred on Christmas Day further heightened public attention, as the holiday is traditionally associated with peace and unity rather than disruption and fear. The incident highlights how misinformation, delusions of authority, or opportunistic exploitation can quickly translate into real-world consequences when left unchecked. It also underscores the importance of swift government action to prevent similar incidents from spreading or inspiring copycat behavior. As the investigation continues, residents are hoping for clear accountability and firm enforcement of the law to ensure that public spaces remain safe, accessible, and governed by legal authority—not unfounded claims of ownership. (Larawan: Manay MPS / Facebook)