By CESAR JOLITO III

A human rights organization in Negros has condemned the killing of community journalist RJ Ledesma during a military operation in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town.

In a statement, Human Rights Advocates in Negros (HRAN) expressed grief over Ledesma’s death and called for an independent investigation, asserting that the victim was a non-combatant conducting fieldwork at the time of the incident.

According to HRAN, Ledesma was documenting the effects of renewable energy projects on communities in northern Negros when the operation involving the 79th Infantry Brigade took place.

The group alleged that Ledesma had been engaged in community-based reporting and was not involved in armed conflict.

Ledesma was known for his work as a community journalist and editor of alternative media outlet Paghimutad Negros, where he reported on issues affecting marginalized sectors, including farmers, Indigenous Peoples, and residents facing displacement due to development projects.

He also previously served as a campus journalist with The Spectrum and had been active in youth and civil society movements in Bacolod.

HRAN claimed that the incident reflects broader concerns over intensified militarization in Negros Occidental, citing policies such as Memorandum Order No. 32, which increased the deployment of security forces in parts of the Visayas.

The group urged the Commission on Human Rights to conduct a “transparent and impartial” investigation into the killing and to hold those responsible accountable.

HRAN also called on media institutions and the public to uphold press freedom and remain vigilant against disinformation, emphasizing the need to protect journalists working in conflict-affected areas./CJ, WDJ