Attacks against development workers of Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group Inc. (PDG) have intensified in South Negros, with an alleged abduction attempt, threats, and harassment reported in separate incidents involving army units this January, according to human rights groups and local organizations.
A development worker of Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group Inc. (PDG) survived an alleged abduction attempt by suspected military intelligence operatives in Barangay Caningay, Candoni, Negros Occidental, on January 17, according to a report by September 21 Movement South Negros.
Joselito Macapobre, a PDG community organizer, was traveling on a motorcycle around 2 p.m. when a black pickup truck bearing a Coca-Cola marking reportedly blocked his path in Sitio Palparan, Barangay Caningay.
Reports said five men in civilian clothing were inside the vehicle, three of whom alighted and allegedly restrained Macapobre while another took the key to his motorcycle.
Macapobre reportedly resisted and escaped after pushing his assailants, running toward nearby houses and seeking help from residents.
September 21 Movement South Negros identified the suspects as alleged intelligence operatives of the 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.
The group said Macapobre had earlier visited Candoni to assist farmers affected by land disputes involving Hasyenda Asia Plantation Inc (HAPI) in Barangay Gatuslao.
According to the organization, Macapobre had previously been visited at his home by soldiers of the 15th Infantry Battalion and was accused in August 2025 of being a recruiter of the New People’s Army.
Save Tablas, alliance of farmers in indigenous peoples in Candoni, also condemned the alleged abduction attempt, citing Macapobre’s work with farmers opposing land grabbing linked to the planned resumption of HAPI operations next month.
Separate from the Candoni incident, PDG reported that one of its development workers, Analyn Mirano, received threatening text messages on the night of January 16 and again on January 17 from someone identifying himself as a member of the intelligence unit of the AFP.
PDG said the messages warned Mirano of harm to her and her family if she refused to cooperate and accept the offered money to work for them as an intelligence agent.
Meanwhile, farmers in Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City, filed complaints against soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, for alleged threats and rights violations at the start of 2026.
Human Rights Advocates Negros also reported that residents of Sitio Malasbalas and Sitio Napudyot reported harassment and intimidation by soldiers.
Danny Yonson, 38, a farmer from Sitio Malasbalas, alleged that a certain Sgt. Gonzales threatened him, conducted an illegal search of his home, and attempted to recruit him as a military intelligence asset.
Yonson said he was allegedly offered money and a cellphone in exchange for monitoring his uncle and PDG staff, including Mirano, operating in the area.
Yonson expressed fear for his safety after refusing the alleged offer.
Residents also reported that soldiers billeted at the Barangay Orong gym conducted house-to-house visits on January 11, 12, and 14, with some personnel reportedly wearing bonnets and refusing to explain their presence.
The rights groups have called for an investigation into the reported incidents and the pullout of military forces from affected communities.
The reported incidents follow earlier legal actions against PDG staff including the arrest of development workers Perla Pavillar, Federico Salvilla, Felipe Gelle on non-bailable charges that were later challenged in court, with both eventually posting bail.
Paghimutad 