Paghimutad Negros Island, a part of the Altermidya Network, strongly condemns NTF-ELCAC’s criminal red-tagging of the media entity during the senate hearing last December 1. Day by day, the Duterte administration proves its desperation by blatantly destroying platforms upholding freedom and democracy.

Paghimutad, along with Zara Alvarez, standing with ABS-CBN last February 2020 as its franchise was threatened

Attacks on journalists are part of the government’s systematic silencing of dissent, as seen through the shutdown of ABS-CBN and the attacks on Rappler. For independent journalists in the provinces, it is even worse. One of the founding editors of Paghimutad, Anne Krueger, was part of those illegally detained during the October 31 crackdown in various offices in Negros. Meanwhile, Frenchiemae Cumpio, executive director of the Eastern Vista and radio news anchor at Aksyon Radyo-Tacloban DYVL 819, who frequently covered alleged police and military abuses from nearby Tacloban was also indicted in trumped-up firearms charges.

(Left) Authrorities during the Oct. 31 Raid of Civil Society Organizations in Bacolod City “finding” a planted gun outside the residence of Anne Krueger. (Right) Frenchie Mae Cumpio of Eastern Vista, Tacloban

Although these attacks are nothing new, the Duterte regime has brought this favored tactic to national TV, broadening the influence of what gets reported & silencing anything critical of it. These baseless allegations are not harmless but are instead precursors to further harassment and, in some cases, even death.

Alternative media outfits and independent media outlets challenge this attack on information and truth. Throughout the years, we have been fearlessly writing stories of the people with a critical slant. We also have been documenting and raising awareness on the many human rights abuses that have taken place since our inception.

Here in Negros, a hotspot for extrajudicial killings and a lab rat for trumped up charges, the need for an alternative and progressive voice has never been more urgent. Despite the threats, we vow to continue reporting fearlessly and critically on the various issues of our day. We will uphold our roles as watchdogs of the State and a chronicler of the plight of marginalized and broad masses.

Journalists from all media sectors and freedom-loving citizens must stand with the alternative media as the Duterte administration and its machineries continue to target us. In the morning of International Human Rights Day, a blatant attack on independent media took place. Lady Ann Salem, editor of the previously red-tagged Manila Today, was illegally arrested with trumped-up charges and hastily taken away on the early hours of December 10, 2020. We must remain vigilant as similar attacks are bound to happen again, and push back against attacks on free press that aim to shed light unto the truth.

Stop the attacks! Stand with Fearless Press! Stand With Truth Tellers! Stand with Altermidya!