Paghimutad - Negros Island Alternative Media

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Paghimutad - Negros Island Alternative Media Paghimutad is an independent alternative media outlet in Negros Island; local counterpart of Altermi

𝗞𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗡𝗔𝗚

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Bring factual, authentic, and genuine news from the grassroots and the people on the ground by Negrosanons and for Negrosanons. Deliver news free of bureaucracy and shed light on vital issues concerning the island. We cover and tackle stories that give voice to the minorities of ou

r society and share such with the rest of the Philippines and the world.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

We are a part of Altermidya, a network of progressive and independent media outfits, institutions, and individuals. Paghimutad was founded in the early months of 2019 at the height of Memorandum Order 32 or De-Facto Martial Law in the island as a result of a lack of progressive independent media networks in the area, especially ones dedicated to following human rights violation cases and plight of marginalized groups across Negros Island.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗱

Various volunteer youth journalists passionate in the freedom of truthful expression and love for the free press, along with other independent writers and contributors, that wish to shed light on issues often overlooked by mainstream networks. We may not write often, but we ensure all our stories include historical context and the voices of the Negrosanon masses.

10/12/2024

MAALAB NA PAGBATI, PILIPINAS!

Kumusta na ang sitwasyon ng karapatang pantao sa bansa?

Pag-uusapan natin 'yan sa ALAB Analysis kasama si former senator Leila De Lima. Tumutok at makisali sa diskusyon! 🔥

10/12/2024

WATCH: PASABTON ANG US-MARCOS-DUTERTE; NEGROS GROUPS CALL OUT MARCOS REGIME'S RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Sectoral groups march toward the Bacolod City Plaza in commemoration of the 76th International Human Rights Day.

Led by Bayan Negros, One Negros Ecumenical Council Negros, and Human Rights Advocates in Negros (HRAN), the protest denounced the "the escalating human rights violations perpetrated by the Marcos Jr. regime."

In a press statement, Bayan Negros said: "Behind its façade of democratic rhetoric and the creation of sham mechanisms like the so-called “human rights superbody,” the administration reveals itself as a gross violator of human rights and a loyal puppet of U.S. imperialist interests."

HRAN has documented 55 cases of EJKs since Marcos Jr. assumed power in June 2022, which includes farmers and leaders of progressive organizations.

In a press conference held before the protest, members of the NGO Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) Inc has slammed trumped-up accusations against its members under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act, including Clarissa Ramos and Felipe Gelle.

They said that this tactic has "become weapons to suppress legitimate advocacy and humanitarian efforts."

Bayan Negros also called for the resumptions of the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

"Reviving these talks is a meaningful step toward addressing the roots of armed struggle and achieving genuine and just-based peace," they said.

10/12/2024

LIVE NOW: Progressive groups hold a press conference in commemoration of International Human Rights Day

In attendance are representatives from BAYAN Negros, Bayan Muna first nominee Atty. Neri Colmenares, Former Congressman Pete Pico, Atty. Rey Gorgonio and Wax Apawan, and community leaders from Southern Negros.

KANLAON ALERT: Kanlaon Volcano Erupts, Alert Level 3 Raised, Evacuations UnderwayKanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental er...
09/12/2024

KANLAON ALERT: Kanlaon Volcano Erupts, Alert Level 3 Raised, Evacuations Underway

Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental erupted explosively at 3:03 PM today, producing a massive ash plume that soared 3,000 meters above the summit. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were detected on the southeastern slopes, prompting the DOST-PHIVOLCS to raise the alert status to Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest).

This alert level indicates ongoing magmatic eruptions with potential for further explosive activity. Authorities have ordered mandatory evacuation within a 6-kilometer radius of the summit.

Ashfall has been reported in nearby areas, including Barangay Ma-ao in Bago City, where residents experienced strong tremors and witnessed ash blanketing crops and surroundings. Affected residents in Bago City’s Barangays Mailum and Ilijan, as well as Barangay Cabagnaan in La Castellana, are being evacuated as a precaution. Ashfall has also reached farther areas, including Miagao, Iloilo, on the nearby island of Panay.

Stay tuned for updates.

06/12/2024

MAALAB NA PAGBATI, PILIPINAS!

Narito ang mga balita’t pananaw ngayong linggo mula sa Altermidya Network:

🔥 Impeachment complaint, isinampa dahil sa maanomalyang rekord ng Bise-Presidente

🔥 Mga katutubo, pinapalayas ng DAR para raw sa San Miguel Corp project?

🔥 Rights Watch: Freezing ng bank accounts ng mga NGO, ano ang nilalabag?

Sama-sama nating panoorin ang Alternatibong Newscast

29/11/2024

Magandang balita ang napipintong pag-uwi sa Pilipinas ni Mary Jane Veloso, isang OFW na dating nasa death row sa Indonesia. Ano ang hiling ng pamilya at mga tagasuporta ni Mary Jane? ��

Panoorin ang ALAB Analysis! 🔥

25/11/2024

LIVE: Families of EJK victims and rights advocates launch 'Duterte panagutin' network in Quezon City.

The network aims to press for justice and accountability of Rodrigo Duterte for violations on human rights and International Humanitarian Law.

23/11/2024

Kompensasyon, bayad-pinsala, o danyos ang hiling ng mga apektado ng climate change o pagbabago ng klima. Wala na nga naman kapantay ang pinsalang dala ng malalakas na bagyo, pagbaha, o grabeng init at tagtuyot sa buong mundo. Nasa climate crisis ang sangkatauhan at buong planeta. Pero ang tanong, bakit climate compensation?

Alamin ito sa pinakabagong episode ng BREAK IT DOWN kasama si Rosario Guzman ng IBON Foundation!
Ang BREAK IT DOWN ay programa ng Altermidya at IBON Foundation

22/11/2024

MAALAB NA PAGBATI, PILIPINAS!

Narito ang mga balita’t pananaw ngayong linggo mula sa Altermidya Network:

🔥Kasunduan sa military information sharing ng U.S. at Pilipinas, kinundena

🔥Mga magsasaka sa Hacienda Luisita, bakit patuloy na ginigipit?

🔥Mga biktima ng Ampatuan massacre, wala pang ganap na hustisya

🔥Pilipinas, handa ba sa fully automated elections?

Sama-sama nating panoorin ang Alternatibong Balita!

15/11/2024

Malalakas at sunud-sunod na bagyo ang humahataw sa Pilipinas dahil nga raw sa epekto ng climate change. Pero sino ba ang dapat managot sa tumitinding epekto ng climate change?

'Yan ang tatalakayin natin sa ALAB Analysis kasama ang environmental lawyer at Bayan Muna nominee na si Atty. Kaloi Zarate

08/11/2024

MAALAB NA PAGBATI, PILIPINAS!

Narito ang mga balita’t pananaw ngayong linggo mula sa Altermidya Network:

🔥 Journalist na si Frenchie Mae Cumpio, tetestigo sa korte sa unang pagkakataon!

🔥 Mga kabahayan sa Bicol, lubog pa rin sa baha dulot ng

🔥 Mandatory ROTC, labag sa Kontitusyon ayon sa youth groups

🔥 Balitang Emoji: Mga resibo, pineke raw para sa confidential funds?

Sama-sama nating panoorin ang Alternatibong Newscast!

Farmers, media barred from multi-sec meeting in Candoni; Envi group clarifies monitoring team not yet formedMore than 50...
08/11/2024

Farmers, media barred from multi-sec meeting in Candoni; Envi group clarifies monitoring team not yet formed

More than 50 farmers from affected communities were denied entry to a multi-sectoral stakeholders meeting on November 7 at the Candoni Municipal Hall regarding the ongoing operations of Hacienda Asia Plantations, Inc. (HAPI). Media representatives, including Brigada Kabankalan, were also escorted out by police officers at the request of Candoni Mayor Rey Ruiz, who was present during the meeting.

In separate statements, Mayor Ruiz and the environmental group Negros Initiatives for Climate and the Environment (NICE) clarified that the meeting was not a convening of the multipartite monitoring team (MMT), as was initially reported. Mayor Ruiz added that a follow-up dialogue with the farmers would be scheduled.

The meeting was also attended by IFMA holder Juvy Araneta of HAPI Inc., the Department of Environmental Resources (DENR), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Kabankalan, the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), and various other civil society organizations. Representatives from the Philippine military were also present.

NICE Secretary General Joshua Villabos explained that the meeting was part of their ongoing efforts since August to engage the provincial government and other stakeholders in ensuring HAPI's compliance with existing environmental laws, including the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). He emphasized that the group had not yet decided to participate in the MMT.

Villabolos also clarified that the meeting was originally planned for a larger venue, a covered court, to accommodate more aggrieved parties, but was later moved to the Municipal Hall.

After further negotiations, provincial representatives offered to allow two farmers to attend, but the farmer groups declined.

“Indi kami mag sugot nga isa ukon duwa lang ang papungkuon, samtang ang mga kaupdanan namon nga halin pa sa lagyo nga lugar indi pagpasudlon. Tuyo lang tani namon mamati kag ipabutyag ang tuod nga nagakinatabo didto sa amon,” Carlito Catatata, Chairperson of Gatuslao Agroforestry, Banana, Sugarcane, And Coconut Farmers Association (GABSACFA) said.

(“We cannot accept having just one or two representatives allowed in while our members, who traveled from distant areas, are kept out. We simply want to hear and voice the truth about what is happening to us,”)

Before the meeting, farmer associations had already strongly opposed the creation of the multi-partite monitoring team.
Executive Order No. 24-25 was signed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson creating the multipartite monitoring team which, according to the EO, is meant to monitor the environmental compliance and sustainability efforts under the Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) of HAPI in Candoni.

In a joint statement representing 300 farmers and indigenous peoples, they described the proposal as a “thinly veiled attempt to appease the rightful anger of the people” and labeled it a delay tactic designed to allow HAPI to continue its operations without facing real accountability.

“We reject this so-called ‘monitoring’ as nothing more than an attempt to buy time for HAPI Inc. to continue its destructive activities,” the statement read.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of all HAPI Inc. personnel, equipment, and armed guards who are collaborating with the Philippine military to force this project on us. We also call for the revocation of HAPI Inc.’s IFMA, granted by the DENR, due to their numerous violations, including operating without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), unregulated bulldozing of crops, illegal quarrying, and the destruction of native trees,” the statement continued.

The farmers further emphasized that any promises of benefits from the plantation were outweighed by the environmental and social harm it caused. “We will not settle for anything less than the immediate pull-out of HAPI Inc. and the Consunji Group from our land,” concluded the statement.

The statement was signed by Gatuslao Integrated Farmers Association (GIFA), Cogon Farmers Association (COFA), Gatuslao Agroforestry, Banana, Sugarcane, And Coconut Farmers Association (GABASCFA), and Casoy Binanigan Farmers Association (CABFA).

# #

07/11/2024

ONGOING: Farmer associations affected by the ongoing operations of HAPI Inc and the Consunji's palm oil plantation in Candoni were barred from entering the dialogue with CENRO and DENR Kabankalan and civil society organizations in the creation of a Multi-partite Monitoring Team.

Colleagues from media were also escorted out of the room by police forces, at the request of Mayor Rey Ruiz.

IN PHOTOS: Peasant groups mark 6th death anniversary of slain lawyer Ben Ramos with camp-out at DAR Peasant groups, led ...
06/11/2024

IN PHOTOS: Peasant groups mark 6th death anniversary of slain lawyer Ben Ramos with camp-out at DAR

Peasant groups, led by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros, marked the 6th death anniversary of slain human rights lawyer Ben Ramos with an overnight camp-out outside the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional office in Bacolod City starting earlier today until tomorrow.

Ramos, a pro-bono lawyer who represented farmers and farm workers, was assassinated in Kabankalan in November 2018 by a riding in tandem. Prior to his death, he had been red-tagged and included in a list of individuals labeled as "communist terrorists," alongside rights activist Zara Alvarez, who was also killed two years later.

At the time of his death, Ramos was serving as the Secretary General of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) Negros and as Executive Director of Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group Inc., a development NGO that had been repeatedly targeted with red-tagging in recent years.

Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation, stating that neither the Executive Order (EO) 35 Task Force nor the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has provided any updates to the family, colleagues, or supporters regarding the case's status.

Makabayan senatoriables Ronnel Arambulo and Mimi Doringo were also present to pay tribute to the late lawyers' legacy of activism through his law practice, and his commitment to serving marginalized sectors.

In addition to the commemoration, the peasant groups are set to continue with a picket protest and dialogue with DAR tomorrow on worsening cases of land conversion and land-grabbing.

03/11/2024

(First of two parts) By RJ Ledesma/Paghimutad Local officials claim the palm oil operation is a “blessing”. But the indigenous peoples and farmers cry

01/11/2024

Sa November 5 na ang US presidential elections at sabi ng political analysts, kahit sino ang manalo— Democrat o Republican, tiyak na maiimpuwensyahan pa rin ang mga polisiya sa pulitika at ekonomya ng bansa.

Paano nga ba makaaapekto ang US elections sa mga Pilipino?

'Yan ang tampok sa ALAB Analysis! Sumali sa diskusyon!

IN PHOTOS: Farmers urge action on HAPI Inc's Palm Oil Plantation in Candoni during Provincial Capitol rallyTo culminate ...
30/10/2024

IN PHOTOS: Farmers urge action on HAPI Inc's Palm Oil Plantation in Candoni during Provincial Capitol rally

To culminate peasant month, farmers from Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros and the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) gathered at the Provincial Capitol earlier today to press Governor Eugenio Lacson for action regarding the Palm Oil plantation in Candoni town and to seek long-term support for those affected by Tiempo Mu**to or ‘dead season’.

During the dialogue, the Provincial Environment Monitoring Office says the provincial government has limited power to intervene with the operations of HAPI Inc as it is under the jurisdiction of the national government.

They also announced that the least they can do is facilitate dialogue and form a monitoring task force to investigate the palm oil operations, which will include representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), and local farmer associations.

Following discussions in the social hall, farmer representatives expressed disappointment with the outcome. Dani Tabura of KMP Negros criticized the process as a bureaucratic delay that exacerbates environmental degradation.

“Each day that HAPI Inc is allowed to continue its operations in Candoni is years of irreversible damage on the environment. We need action now,” he stated.

Additionally, the farmers have called for a provincial ordinance to address the annual challenges faced by sugarcane farm workers. They are requesting a budget allocation of at least PhP 4.5 billion, which would provide cash assistance of PhP 15,000 to each unemployed farmworker during the five-month close season.

25/10/2024

MAALAB NA PAGBATI, PILIPINAS!

Narito ang mga nag-aalab na balita’t pananaw mula sa Altermidya Network:

🔥 Calamity fund, nasaan?

🔥 Paglipat ng unused Philhealth funds sa unprogrammed funds, kinuwestyon

🔥 Demolisyon para sa subdibisyon

🔥 Coal mining at karapatan ng mga katutubo

🔥 Nagluto ng adobo, kinasuhan ng terorismo

Sama-sama nating panoorin ang !

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Kamatuoran Ipalapnag

The Negrosanons deserve news that is truthful rather than just neutral.

Local Negros Island Chapter of Altermidya - People’s Alternative Media Network, a national network of independent and progressive media outfits, institutions, and individuals.

Our Mission

Bring factual, authentic, and genuine news from the grassroots and the people on the ground by the Negrosanons and for the Negrosanons. Deliver news free of bureaucracy and shed light on vital issues concerning the island. We cover and tackle stories that give voice to the minorities of our society and share such with the rest of the Philippines and the world.