Paghimutad Negros, an alternative media outlet based in the Negros Island Region, drew attention to the ongoing attacks against community journalists in a meeting with Irene Khan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, last January 29 at the University of the Philippines – Cebu.

The discussion shed light on the pressing issue of press freedom and the safety of journalists in the Visayas.

UNSR Khan is in the Philippines until February 2 for an official visit to assess the country’s adherence to the UN Declaration on Human Rights and other international human rights instruments on freedom of opinion and expression.

In its report to the UNSR, Paghimutad, a local affiliate of Altermidya Network, called for accountability from state agencies following multiple attacks their journalists and correspondents experienced, including illegal arrest, red-tagging, and profiling of journalists in Negros.

In the meeting with the UNSR, Anne Krueger, one of the founding correspondents of Paghimutad, recounted her illegal arrest during the crackdown in Bacolod City on October 31, 2019.

Krueger was charged with illegal possession of firearms and is currently out on bail.

In the dialogue with UNSR Khan, Krueger emphasized how laws are being “weaponized” to detain community journalists to prevent them from reporting on issues affecting marginalized sectors. Krueger also cited the case of fellow community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio of Tacloban City, who has been detained for almost four years.

Prior to visiting Cebu, Khan visited the Tacloban City Jail to meet Cumpio and two other human rights advocates.

The attacks did not end with Krueger’s arrest in 2019. Paghimutad reported that their media outfit and other Negros alternative media groups continue to experience various forms of repression.

In October 2022, the Facebook page of the 303rd Brigade of the Philippine Army red-tagged Paghimutad, dismissing one of their reports as propaganda and lies attributed to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

The report cited by the Philippine Army detailed the 94th IB’s assault on seven farmers in Himamaylan City. This red-tagging post was also shared on various police and military platforms, including the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (Region VI), a regional arm of the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict).

Paghimutad also reported concerted efforts to silence the progressive peasant radio program, “Kaling Kag Tugda,” also a member of Altermidya Network, and keep it off the air.

Media groups in Negros also reported cases of journalists being targeted by state intelligence agents. One journalist reported being profiled, while another stated that individuals on a motorcycle followed her after a meeting with fellow journalists.

Paghimutad stressed that these targeted attacks against their organization and other progressive outfits in Negros seek to hide from the public the worsening human rights violations perpetrated by state elements in their communities.

“The people have the right to know; that’s why, despite such threats, we persist,” Paghimutad’s report to UNSR Khan stated.

In light of the threats and attacks faced by progressive outfits and individual journalists, Paghimutad called on UNSR Khan to support their call to hold government and military entities accountable for endangering and vilifying them.

The group also recommended the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, which they consider one of the primary perpetrators.

Repealing the Anti-Terrorism Act would also increase protection for community journalists against “trumped-up charges,” Paghimutad said.