Paghimutad - Negros Island Alternative Media

  • Home
  • Paghimutad - Negros Island Alternative Media

Paghimutad - Negros Island Alternative Media Paghimutad is an alternative media outlet in Negros Island, a member of the Altermidya Network.

Through multimedia reporting and grassroots storytelling, we highlight the realities of the Negrosanon people and their fight for land and social justice. 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 our 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.

31/01/2025

Impeachment complaints laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte, bakit tila tinututulan ni Marcos Jr?

'Yan ang pag-uusapan sa ALAB Analysis kasama si Inday Espina-Varona. Tumutok at makisali sa diskusyon!

Arrests, disappearances, torture: Rights group slams 94th IB abuses in Southern Negros’ first weeks of 2025Reports from ...
24/01/2025

Arrests, disappearances, torture: Rights group slams 94th IB abuses in Southern Negros’ first weeks of 2025

Reports from human rights watchdog September 21 Movement detail a series of rights abuses perpetrated by the 94th IB of the Philippine Military —including arbitrary arrests, physical abuse, and threats— across Kabankalan City and Himamaylan City, marking a violent start to the new year for Southern Negros.

Read full report: https://paghimutadnegros.wordpress.com/2025/01/24/arrests-disappearances-torture-rights-group-slams-94th-ib-abuses-in-southern-negros-first-weeks-of-2025/

PDG office in Kabankalan surveilled by armed menPaghida-et sa Kauswagan Development Group, Inc. (PDG), a non-governmenta...
18/01/2025

PDG office in Kabankalan surveilled by armed men

Paghida-et sa Kauswagan Development Group, Inc. (PDG), a non-governmental organization supporting farmers in Souther Negros, has condemned the surveillance of its Kabankalan office by two armed men on a motorcycle on the morning of January 17, 2025, calling the incident a "direct threat" to the safety of its staff and facilities.

According to PDG’s official statement released today, two unidentified men on a motorcycle arrived outside the compound at approximately 9:30 AM. One of the men reportedly took photographs of the premises using a mobile phone, while the driver remained on standby.

When approached by a PDG staff member, the back rider allegedly revealed a pistol tucked in his waistband. Both men immediately left the area without explanation.PDG said that this act violated the election gun ban currently in effect.

PDG further stated that one of the men involved had previously been linked to an incident of harassment against Joselito Macapobre, a fisherfolk leader and witness in the case of detained social worker Perla Pavillar.

READ FULL STORY:

https://paghimutadnegros.wordpress.com/2025/01/18/pdg-office-in-kabankalan-surveilled-by-armed-men/

BCPO’s “heightened alert” a cover for crackdowns and corruption, says BAYAN NegrosBAYAN Negros slammed the Bacolod City ...
07/01/2025

BCPO’s “heightened alert” a cover for crackdowns and corruption, says BAYAN Negros

BAYAN Negros slammed the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) for its recent announcement of a “heightened alert” against alleged armed groups, calling it “a baseless attempt to justify intensified crackdowns on progressive groups and expand corruption through fear-mongering.”

The BCPO claimed last January 2 that they were investigating a potential security threat in Brgy. Felisa, bordering Bacolod City and Murcia, involving two individuals they suspected of having ties to a militant group.

According to BCPO Station 10 Commander Capt. Sherwin Galupar, one a woman who allegedly visited Police Station 10 on December 29, 2024, and another man “acting suspiciously” near a private property on January 1, were linked to surveillance activities in the area.

However, both individuals were later released after no concrete grounds for detention were found, and they were handed over to barangay officials.

Despite this lack of evidence, the BCPO raised alarms, stating that the mere presence of these individuals was already a threat.

BCPO Chief Col. Joresty Coronica warned that any potential attack would meet with force, claiming that police personnel were on high alert.

In response, BAYAN Negros dismissed these claims as fear-mongering aimed at justifying further repression and surveillance of activist groups.

“[This] provides them with justification to demand larger budgets. They will fatten their own pockets while undermining the rights and freedoms of the people,” said Berlita Ante, BAYAN Negros deputy spokesperson.

BAYAN Negros linked the BCPO’s heightened alert to the Marcos Jr. administration’s shift of internal security operations from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The AFP is now being redirected toward so-called external threats, aligning itself with U.S. imperialist interests by aiding in the intensifying reaction against China,” the group said in a statement released last January 7.

“This shift does not mean less repression—it means more,” Ante said. “The PNP’s expanded role in counterinsurgency operations opens the door to further corruption as billions in counterinsurgency funds under NTF-ELCAC. […] More of the “general’s pork barrel” via E-CLIP and other counterinsurgency funds will be pored over at the barangay level in Bacolod City and other nearby urban areas.”

Read full story: https://paghimutadnegros.wordpress.com/2025/01/07/bacolod-polices-heightened-alert-a-cover-for-crackdowns-and-corruption-says-bayan-negros/

JUST IN: Three development workers of PDG Inc arrested on terrorism financing chargesThree development workers from the ...
03/01/2025

JUST IN: Three development workers of PDG Inc arrested on terrorism financing charges

Three development workers from the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) Inc. were arrested yesterday, January 2, 2025, on charges of terrorism financing.

The individuals detained are Dharyl Albañez, Federico Salvilla, and Perla Pavillar. The arrests follow charges filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on December 3, 2024, which accuse the three, along with two other PDG staff members, of involvement in funding terrorist activities.

PDG is a development organization based in Southern Negros that advocates for agrarian reform, sustainable agriculture, and the rights of small farmers and fisherfolk. The organization has faced red-tagging and harassment in the past, including the assassination of its executive director, Atty. Benjamin Ramos Jr., in 2018.

Prior to the arrests, several development workers, including those now charged, reported increased surveillance and harassment.

Read full story: https://paghimutadnegros.wordpress.com/2025/01/03/three-development-workers-of-pdg-inc-arrested-on-terrorism-financing-charges/

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.

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).

# #

Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Paghimutad - Negros Island Alternative Media posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Paghimutad - Negros Island Alternative Media:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share

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.