Photo credit: I-Witness

After facing a wave of criticism and misinformation online, I-Witness has firmly defended its documentary "Ibinasurang Paraiso," saying its report was based on extensive research, official government records, and firsthand accounts from affected residents.

The documentary, reported by Kara David and aired on July 11, 2026, focused on the environmental and health impacts of an open dumpsite in Sitio Tibag, Barangay Naugsol, Subic, Zambales, where members of the Aeta community have long raised concerns about pollution affecting their ancestral land.

According to I-Witness, the investigation revealed that the dumpsite had been operating for six years without the necessary permits. Documents reviewed by the team showed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had already found the site in violation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 as early as 2022. Despite this, operations continued until the agency issued another cease-and-desist order in March, directing that the waste be transferred to an accredited sanitary landfill as part of the site's closure.

The documentary sparked widespread public attention and renewed calls for government action. Following its broadcast, the DENR issued another cease-and-desist order this month, marking the third order for the full closure of the dumpsite.

In its official statement, I-Witness also addressed several claims circulating on social media that questioned the accuracy of the documentary.

One claim alleged that the dumpsite is located on private property. However, I-Witness said the area is covered by a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The network added that official NCIP records confirm Sitio Tibag is within the recognized ancestral domain of the Aeta Ambala Indigenous Cultural Community.

Another claim suggested there was no foul odor coming from the dumpsite. I-Witness countered this by saying it interviewed residents who have endured the smell for years, especially during the rainy season. Several families reportedly left their homes because of the odor and its effects on their health and daily lives.

The network also disputed claims that the Aeta community lives several kilometers away from the dumpsite. Its team documented abandoned homes only a few meters from the site, with former residents citing persistent foul odors, swarms of flies, and fears over long-term health risks as reasons for leaving.

The documentary also showed a stream below the dumpsite where garbage was being carried by flowing water. Residents told the team that the stream is no longer safe for drinking.

I-Witness further interviewed the chieftain and council of elders of nearby Sitio Alibang, who said parts of their traditional hunting grounds and livelihood areas overlap with the dumpsite. Community leaders expressed concern about its continued operation and said they felt powerless to stop it.

The network emphasized that its findings are supported not only by interviews but also by official government documents, including the DENR's own inspections and regulatory actions.

It also stressed that the environmental impact of an open dumpsite should not be judged solely by whether nearby homes exist or whether a foul odor is present, noting that long-term effects on forests, water sources, ecosystems, and surrounding communities must also be considered.

Closing its statement, I-Witness reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism, saying every documentary undergoes thorough research and careful verification before it is aired.

"We stand firmly by the documentary and the facts presented in 'Ibinasurang Paraiso'."