JUSTICE FOR RJ LEDESMA! DEFEND NEGROS!

Gantala Press grieves the killing of writer, journalist, and community worker RJ Nichole Ledesma in the recent massacre of 19 people in Negros Occidental.

RJ was among the first casualties to be identified following the military operations held in Toboso on April 19. However, according to Human Rights Advocates Negros, RJ was not in the initial clash site but was instead doing community and reporting work in another area. Contrary to allegations of the AFP that RJ was part of an NPA group in combat, HRAN said that RJ was killed in an ensuing military pursuit operation.

RJ was said to be working on a report on the effects of renewable energy projects on peasant communities. He was the editor of the grassroots media outfit Pahimutad-Negros and regional coordinator of Altermidya.

RJ’s killing exposes the brutality of state forces and the extent of military presence in the countryside. More than 600 families were forced to evacuate due to the military operations, disrupting the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk and exposing them to indiscriminate firing. These are clear violations of International Humanitarian Law which prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians.

Large tracts of agricultural land in Negros are owned by private enterprises or landlords. Farmers and indigenous peoples face various destructive projects such as solar and windmill farms, reclamation and tourism projects, and land-grabbing attempts by large corporations. RJ had reported on these issues including the massive palm oil plantation project in Candoni that would displace peasant and indigenous families.

Gantala Press joins RJ’s friends and family, the people of Negros, and the Filipino people in condemning Marcos Jr’s National Action Plan for Unity, Peace and Development, a mere extension of the NTF-ELCAC in sowing terror among peasants and human rights defenders. We condemn the AFP and PNP for their crimes against humanity such as harassment, illegal arrest and detention, and the killing of peasant leaders, activists, writers and artists. We stand with Filipino farmers in calling to stop militarization in the countryside.

Abolish NTF-ELCAC! Justice for RJ Ledesma! Defend Negros!