Effective date: August 2026
The Mindanao Sentinel is an independent digital news publication committed to providing timely, accurate, responsible, and relevant journalism about Mindanao and the communities we serve.
This page sets out The Mindanao Sentinel’s Privacy Policy, Editorial Policy, Corrections Policy, and Terms of Use. By accessing or using The Mindanao Sentinel website, you acknowledge and agree to the practices and terms described below.
1. Privacy Policy
1.1 Our commitment to privacy
The Mindanao Sentinel respects the privacy of its readers, contributors, sources, correspondents, and other individuals who interact with our website.
We are committed to handling personal information responsibly, transparently, and only for legitimate purposes. Where applicable, our practices are guided by the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) and its implementing rules and regulations. The National Privacy Commission identifies transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality as fundamental data privacy principles.
This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected through our website, how it may be used, and the choices available to visitors.
1.2 Information we may collect
Depending on how you interact with our website, The Mindanao Sentinel may collect or receive information such as:
- Your name;
- Email address;
- Contact information that you voluntarily provide;
- Information submitted through contact forms;
- Information provided when submitting news tips, corrections, comments, photographs, videos, or other material;
- Technical information such as browser type, operating system, device type, IP address, referring website, and approximate geographic information;
- Website usage information, including pages visited, time spent on pages, and other aggregate statistics; and
- Information collected through cookies and similar technologies.
We do not intentionally request unnecessary personal information from visitors.
1.3 How we use information
Information collected through the website may be used to:
- Respond to inquiries and messages;
- Respond to correction requests;
- Process news tips and story submissions;
- Communicate with contributors or sources;
- Improve the website and its content;
- Understand how readers use our website;
- Monitor website security and prevent abuse;
- Analyze website performance and audience trends;
- Deliver and measure advertising, where applicable;
- Comply with legal obligations; and
- Protect the rights, safety, and legitimate interests of The Mindanao Sentinel, our readers, contributors, and other persons.
We will not use personal information for purposes that are incompatible with the purpose for which it was collected, except where permitted or required by law.
1.4 News sources and confidential information
The Mindanao Sentinel recognizes the importance of protecting legitimate journalistic sources.
Information voluntarily provided to our newsroom may be treated as confidential when confidentiality has been expressly promised or is reasonably necessary for responsible journalism.
However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in every circumstance. Information may be disclosed where required by law or where necessary to protect the safety and rights of individuals or the publication.
The Philippine Data Privacy Act and its implementing rules expressly recognize protections relating to journalists and their sources.
1.5 Cookies and similar technologies
The Mindanao Sentinel may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality, understand audience behavior, remember preferences, measure website performance, and support advertising.
Cookies are small files stored on a visitor’s browser or device. They may be used for functions such as analytics, advertising, security, and website preferences.
Visitors may configure their browsers to refuse or delete cookies. However, disabling certain cookies may affect some website functionality.
1.6 Advertising and Google AdSense
The Mindanao Sentinel may use third-party advertising services, including Google AdSense, to display advertisements on the website.
Third-party vendors, including Google, may use cookies to serve advertisements based on a user’s previous visits to this website or other websites. Google states that advertising cookies may allow Google and its partners to serve advertisements based on a user’s visit to this site and/or other sites on the internet.
Google and its advertising partners may use technologies such as cookies, web beacons, IP addresses, or similar identifiers in connection with advertising and measurement. Google requires publishers to provide clear privacy disclosures concerning these technologies.
Users may learn more about Google’s advertising practices and manage certain advertising preferences through:
Google also provides information about how data is used when users visit sites or apps that use its services:
How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services
Users may also learn about options for managing certain third-party advertising cookies through:
Your Online Choices / About Ads
Google notes that users who opt out of personalized advertising may still receive advertising based on other factors.
The Mindanao Sentinel does not control the content of advertisements served by third-party advertising providers.
1.7 Analytics and third-party services
We may use third-party services for website analytics, performance monitoring, security, social-media integration, embedded content, or other website functions.
These services may collect information according to their own privacy policies.
Third-party websites, platforms, advertisements, videos, social-media posts, and other external services linked to or embedded on The Mindanao Sentinel are governed by their respective terms and privacy policies.
1.8 Data retention and security
We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for legitimate operational purposes, to comply with applicable laws, or to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.
We take reasonable organizational, physical, and technical measures to protect information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, loss, or misuse.
However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
1.9 Your privacy rights
Subject to applicable law, individuals may have rights concerning their personal information, including the right to:
- Be informed about the processing of their personal information;
- Access their personal information;
- Request correction of inaccurate information;
- Object to certain processing;
- Request deletion or blocking where legally applicable;
- Request data portability where applicable; and
- File a complaint concerning the handling of personal information.
The National Privacy Commission identifies these among the rights of data subjects under the Data Privacy Act.
Requests concerning privacy may be sent through our official contact channels.
2. Editorial Policy
2.1 Our mission
The Mindanao Sentinel is committed to providing credible, timely, and responsible journalism focused on Mindanao and its people.
Our coverage includes, among others:
- Breaking news;
- Public safety and crime;
- Government and politics;
- Disaster and emergency situations;
- Environment and climate;
- Agriculture and fisheries;
- Conflict and peace;
- Indigenous and local communities;
- Business and the economy;
- Human-interest stories;
- Health and public-interest issues;
- Culture and community affairs; and
- Analysis and opinion.
Our journalism aims to inform the public while respecting accuracy, fairness, dignity, and the public interest.
2.2 Accuracy and verification
The Mindanao Sentinel makes reasonable efforts to verify information before publication.
We may obtain information from:
- Government agencies;
- Police and military authorities;
- Local government units;
- Courts and official records;
- Emergency responders;
- Eyewitnesses;
- Community sources;
- Interviews;
- Documents;
- Public records;
- Direct observation;
- Photographs and videos; and
- Other credible sources.
Information from official sources will be attributed appropriately.
An official statement or allegation does not automatically establish that an allegation is true. When appropriate, our reports will distinguish between confirmed facts, allegations, claims, preliminary findings, and information that remains under investigation.
2.3 Use of press releases and official information
The Mindanao Sentinel regularly reports on information released by government agencies and other institutions.
Official statements, police reports, advisories, and press releases may serve as sources for our reporting. When we use such material, we seek to provide appropriate attribution, context, and editorial treatment.
We do not consider publication of an official statement to be a substitute for responsible journalism.
When additional information is available, we may update a report as an investigation develops.
2.4 Crime and allegation reporting
When reporting arrests, criminal complaints, investigations, or allegations, The Mindanao Sentinel will make reasonable efforts to avoid presenting an accusation as an established fact.
Where appropriate, reports will use terms such as:
- alleged;
- according to police;
- investigators said;
- authorities reported;
- prosecutors alleged; or
- the case remains under investigation.
Being arrested, accused, charged, or investigated does not by itself establish guilt.
Individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in accordance with law.
2.5 Breaking news
Breaking news may initially contain incomplete information.
When significant new information becomes available, we may update, correct, clarify, or expand the original report.
Readers should understand that preliminary information, particularly during emergencies, disasters, shootings, accidents, and developing investigations, may change as authorities verify facts.
2.6 News and opinion
The Mindanao Sentinel distinguishes between news reporting and opinion/editorial content.
News reports are intended to present verified information as fairly and accurately as possible.
Opinion and editorial articles represent the views of their authors or the editorial position identified in the article and should not automatically be interpreted as factual reporting.
2.7 Photographs, videos and graphic material
We seek to use photographs and videos responsibly and in a manner consistent with the public interest.
Graphic material involving death, injury, violence, or disaster may be published when there is a legitimate journalistic reason to do so.
We avoid unnecessary graphic imagery, particularly when it serves no meaningful public-interest purpose.
Images may come from our own reporters, correspondents, authorized contributors, public agencies, partner organizations, or other sources where we have permission or a legitimate basis for publication.
2.8 Children and vulnerable individuals
We exercise additional care when reporting about children, victims of violence, vulnerable individuals, and people experiencing traumatic circumstances.
We may withhold names or identifying information where publication could cause unnecessary harm or where applicable laws or ethical considerations require greater protection.
2.9 Conflicts of interest
The Mindanao Sentinel seeks to maintain editorial independence.
Journalists, correspondents, contributors, and editors should avoid personal, financial, political, or other relationships that could compromise—or reasonably appear to compromise—their reporting.
Sponsored, promotional, or advertising content should be distinguished from independent editorial content.
2.10 Artificial intelligence and editorial tools
The Mindanao Sentinel may use digital tools, software, and artificial intelligence-assisted technologies for limited editorial and operational purposes, such as:
- transcription;
- translation;
- proofreading;
- research assistance;
- data organization;
- headline brainstorming;
- formatting; and
- other newsroom support functions.
AI-generated material is not treated as an independent source of fact.
Human editorial review remains responsible for the accuracy, context, fairness, and final publication of our journalism.
We do not knowingly publish fabricated information generated by artificial intelligence as factual reporting.
3. Corrections Policy
3.1 Our commitment to accuracy
The Mindanao Sentinel recognizes that mistakes can occur in journalism, particularly in fast-moving news situations.
When we identify a factual error, we seek to correct it promptly and transparently.
Corrections are part of responsible journalism and do not diminish our commitment to accuracy.
3.2 Factual corrections
Significant factual errors may be corrected directly in the article.
Depending on the nature of the correction, we may include a correction notice explaining what was changed.
Examples of matters that may warrant correction include:
- Incorrect names;
- Incorrect dates;
- Incorrect locations;
- Incorrect figures;
- Incorrect quotations;
- Incorrect descriptions of events; or
- Other material factual errors.
3.3 Updates and developing stories
Not every change to an article constitutes a correction.
A developing story may be updated when:
- authorities release new information;
- an investigation produces new findings;
- a missing person is located;
- casualty figures change;
- officials clarify an earlier statement; or
- additional verified information becomes available.
Such changes may be identified as an Update rather than a correction.
3.4 Reader correction requests
Readers who believe an article contains a factual error may contact The Mindanao Sentinel.
Correction requests should, whenever possible, identify:
- The article concerned;
- The specific statement believed to be incorrect;
- Why the statement is inaccurate; and
- Supporting information or documentation, if available.
Submitting a correction request does not automatically mean that an article will be changed. Our editorial team will review the available evidence before making a decision.
3.5 Corrections involving allegations
Where an article contains an allegation that is subsequently shown to be materially inaccurate, The Mindanao Sentinel may update, correct, clarify, or remove the relevant material as appropriate.
Corrections will not be made solely because an individual or organization disagrees with an accurate report.
4. Terms and Conditions
4.1 Use of this website
By accessing The Mindanao Sentinel, you agree to use the website lawfully and responsibly.
You must not use the website to:
- Conduct unlawful activities;
- Interfere with website security;
- Attempt unauthorized access to systems;
- Introduce malicious software;
- Scrape or copy content through automated means in violation of applicable rights or restrictions;
- Impersonate another person or organization;
- Submit fraudulent information; or
- Interfere with the experience of other users.
4.2 Copyright
Unless otherwise stated, original text, photographs, graphics, logos, videos, and other materials published by The Mindanao Sentinel are protected by applicable intellectual-property laws.
You may share links to our articles for legitimate purposes.
Unless permission is granted or otherwise permitted by law, substantial reproduction, republication, commercial redistribution, or systematic copying of our original content is prohibited.
Short excerpts may be used for legitimate purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, or quotation, subject to applicable law and proper attribution.
4.3 User-submitted material
Readers may submit news tips, photographs, videos, documents, comments, corrections, or other material.
By submitting material, you represent that:
- You have the right or authority to submit it;
- The material is not knowingly fraudulent;
- The submission does not unlawfully infringe another person’s rights; and
- You understand that submitted material may be reviewed for possible publication.
Submission does not guarantee publication.
The Mindanao Sentinel may edit submitted material for accuracy, clarity, length, grammar, legal considerations, or editorial standards.
4.4 News tips and confidential submissions
A person submitting information should clearly indicate if the information is intended to be confidential.
However, electronic communications cannot always be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Individuals with sensitive information should use appropriate precautions when communicating with journalists.
4.5 External links
The Mindanao Sentinel may link to external websites, social-media pages, government websites, organizations, or other third-party services for additional information or context.
We do not control those websites and are not responsible for their content, availability, privacy practices, or policies.
A link does not necessarily constitute endorsement.
4.6 Advertisements
The Mindanao Sentinel may display advertisements from Google and other third-party advertising providers.
Advertisements may be selected or delivered automatically based on factors determined by the advertising provider.
The presence of an advertisement does not constitute an endorsement by The Mindanao Sentinel of the advertised product, service, company, or organization.
4.7 Disclaimer
The Mindanao Sentinel makes reasonable efforts to provide accurate and timely information. However, information may change, particularly during breaking news, emergencies, investigations, disasters, and other developing situations.
We do not guarantee that every piece of information published on the website will always be complete, current, or error-free.
Nothing on this website should be interpreted as legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice unless expressly identified as such.
4.8 Changes to this page
The Mindanao Sentinel may update this Privacy, Editorial, Corrections and Terms of Use page from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, applicable laws, or website services.
The effective date at the beginning of this page will be updated when material changes are made.
Visitors are encouraged to review this page periodically.
5. Contact Us
For questions regarding this policy, editorial matters, corrections, privacy concerns, or other website issues, please contact:
The Mindanao Sentinel
Email: news@themindanaosentinel.com
Website: https://themindanaosentinel.com/
For corrections, please include the article title or URL and clearly identify the information you believe requires correction.
Last updated: August 2026