‘Harassment’ of development workers escalates in South Negros

By Juliane Judilla

A series of alleged threats, intimidation, and abduction attempt against development workers has renewed concerns over the safety of civilian advocates in South Negros, prompting human rights groups to call for investigations and the withdrawal of military forces from affected communities.

On Jan. 17 in Barangay Caningay, Candoni, Negros Occidental, a community organizer from Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group Inc. (PDG) reportedly escaped an attempted abduction.

According to a report by September 21 Movement South Negros, PDG organizer Joselito Macapobre was traveling by motorcycle in Sitio Palparan at about 2 p.m. when a black pickup truck allegedly blocked his path.

Several men in civilian clothes reportedly emerged from the vehicle and tried to restrain him, while another suspect allegedly took the key to his motorcycle.

Macapobre managed to break free and ran toward nearby houses to seek help from residents, the report said.

The group later identified the suspects as alleged intelligence operatives linked to the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion.

Macapobre was in Candoni to assist farmers involved in land disputes with Hacienda Asia Plantation Inc. in Barangay Gatuslao, where residents have long protested the company’s palm oil plantation.

Advocates said tensions have risen in the area ahead of the plantation’s planned resumption of operations.

Rights groups also claimed Macapobre had previously been accused by soldiers of having links to the New People’s Army and that he was visited at his residence last year.

The farmer and indigenous peoples’ alliance Save Tablas denounced the alleged abduction attempt, describing it as part of a pattern of harassment targeting individuals who support farmers resisting land grabbing.

 

Continued threats against PDG staff

In a separate incident, PDG reported that another development worker, Analyn Mirano, received threatening text messages on the nights of Jan. 16 and 17.

The sender allegedly identified himself as a member of an Armed Forces of the Philippines intelligence unit and warned Mirano that harm would come to her and her family if she refused to cooperate and accept money in exchange for information.

“Darating ang time na babawiin namin kayo sa pamilya mo,” one message read.
(The time will come when we will take you away from your family.)

“Kung hindi ka makuha sa magandang usapan, na nakakatulong sana sayo, sinugal mo ang seguridad mo,” it added.
(If you refuse to resolve this through a civil discussion that was meant to help you, then you have put your own safety at risk.)

PDG said the threats have heightened fears among its staff, who continue to work in rural communities across Negros.

Earlier this year, farmers in Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City, filed complaints against soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion for alleged harassment and rights violations.

Human Rights Advocates Negros reported that residents of Sitio Malasbalas and Sitio Napudyot experienced intimidation, including repeated questioning and house-to-house visits by soldiers stationed in the area.

Danny Yonson, a 38-year-old farmer from Sitio Malasbalas, alleged that a soldier identified as Sgt. Gonzales threatened him, searched his home without a warrant, and attempted to recruit him as a military intelligence asset.

Yonson said he was offered money and a mobile phone in exchange for monitoring his uncle and PDG workers, including Mirano, and that he fears retaliation after rejecting the offer.

Residents also reported that soldiers temporarily billeted at the Barangay Orong gym conducted house-to-house visits on Jan. 11, 12, and 14, with some personnel allegedly concealing their identities and refusing to explain their presence.

Human rights groups have urged authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the incidents and ensure the protection of civilians and development workers.

The latest reports follow earlier legal cases against PDG staff, including arrests on serious charges that were later questioned in court, allowing the accused to post bail.