'I-Witness' breaks silence on online claims surrounding 'Ibinasurang Paraiso'

• I-Witness released a detailed official statement following online claims seeking to discredit Kara David's Subic dumpsite report
• The program proved through NCIP records that the open dumpsite in Sitio Tibag operates directly within the Aeta community's land
• Documents confirmed the site ran for six years without proper permits, violating the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
• The production team emphasized its nearly 30-year commitment to accurate reporting as well

Journalistic integrity and facts remain paramount, as GMA’s documentary program I-Witness officially set the record straight regarding its recent episode, 'Ibinasurang Paraiso.'

The documentary, reported by veteran journalist Kara David, brought widespread attention to an open dumpsite located in Sitio Tibag in Subic, Zambales. Following its broadcast, content creator Boss Toyo drew heavy flak online after putting forward narratives that attempted to counter the documentary's findings.

He has since apologized over his controversial posts while defending his initial intent as well.

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However, I-Witness has since released a comprehensive breakdown to address and clarify online claims.

Addressing claims that the dumpsite is located on private property, I-Witness bared that its team spent over a month conducting thorough on-ground research and securing legal documentation.

"The team obtained a copy of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), confirming that the area is part of the Aeta community's ancestral domain," I-Witness stated. "Sitio Tibag, where the dumpsite is located, is within the boundaries of the recognized ancestral domain of the Aeta Ambala Indigenous Cultural Community."

Furthermore, official records showed that the facility operated unlawfully for six years without necessary permits. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously identified violations of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act as early as 2022, eventually issuing its third Cease-and-Desist Order this month for the total closure of the site.

I-Witness also countered claims denying the presence of foul odor or the community's proximity to the facility.

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"These findings are not based solely on residents' accounts," the statement read. "They are corroborated by official government documents and are consistent with the DENR's own findings and regulatory actions."

The team reminded the public that environmental impact cannot be judged lightly, emphasizing that long-term harm to surrounding ecosystems and indigenous livelihoods must always be evaluated.

"For nearly three decades, I-Witness has been committed to accurate, fair and responsible journalism," the team concluded firmly. "We stand firmly by the documentary and the facts presented in 'Ibinasurang Paraiso.'"

As previously reported by KAMI, a motorcycle taxi rider went viral after attaching a handwritten note to his helmet with a plea. Primo Baconawa, a netizen, shared the photo on his Facebook after his girlfriend booked the rider to go home from work. The post went viral amid growing public concern and recent violent crimes targeting TNVS and motorcycle riders. Primo urged the government to strengthen public safety, emphasizing that no worker should have to beg for their life.

Meanwhile, Marlon Sabandal, a barangay tanod in Pasig City, was fatally shot while trying to stop a street brawl in the early hours of July 12. While responding to the disturbance, the barangay tanod and his fellow responders attempted to break up the fight before he was hit. According to police, two suspects believed to be with the gunman have already been arrested.

Source: KAMI.com.gh