Activists honor slain community journo

“Bagani,” a Hiligaynon term for “hero,” was how those who knew slain community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma would describe him for his work in defending the environment.

“Hakus bagani, that’s RJ. A hero’s embrace. A hero’s hug,” San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said on Saturday as he received the “Natatanging Gawad” on behalf of Ledesma during the “9th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan” awarding ceremony held on Oct. 24.

The event, which honors those who defend people’s right to a clean and healthy environment, is held every two years and organized by nongovernmental organization Center for Environmental Concerns.

Article continues after this advertisement

During the ceremony, Ledesma was cited for his work as an “alternative journalist,” community organizer and regional coordinator for media outlet Altermidya.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

He was remembered in that event as journalist who documented the impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects, land conversion and fossil fuel expansion affecting farming and indigenous communities in Negros Island.

Ledesma was also remembered for looking into allegations of human rights violations amid the potential expansion of solar farms and other energy projects in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

“RJ’s heroic embrace of the environment and the farmers, with his commitment to social justice, made him selfless in service. Multitalented, he activated the intersection of passion and possibility. Others dreamed, RJ pulled everyone together to make things happen,” Alminaza said.

“May RJ’s hakus bagani unite us still,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

The bishop was also awarded with the “Gawad sa Indibidwal” distinction for his work in the campaign to keep Negros Island fossil-fuel free.

Based on a previous statement by Altermidya, Ledesma was one of 19 killed last April in a clash between government troops and suspected New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Salamanca in Toboso town.

Article continues after this advertisement

But Altermidya also said Ledesma was in the area doing community work and immersion, reporting on the effects of renewable energy projects on farming communities.

“On Negros Island, RJ’s journalistic prowess opened our eyes. He brought the stories of the struggling poor and the environment to the center. He challenged people and other advocates to become a community that surrounds those who are suffering,” Alminaza said.

‘Journey with the people’

According to the bishiop, Ledesma also established environmental group, Hakson, where the “youth joined together to resist plunder, land-grabbing and devastating destruction of communities on Negros Island.”

Fellow Altermidya journalist Raymund Villanueva said in a press conference before the awarding ceremony that Ledesma was a “very good writer” who had been a fellow in local and national writing workshops.

At the time of his death, Ledesma was also editor of alternative media outfit Paghimutad Negros, Villanueva said.

“RJ is the symbol of the brave journalists of Altermidya who journey with the people in defending the land, mountains, and waters. This journey is not just to report news, but to also be part of the people’s struggle,” he said in Filipino.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

“This honor for RJ is a big help to our call for justice, for him, for his fellow martyrs of Toboso 19, and justice for all environmental defenders who were killed,” Villanueva said. INQ