A Filipino journalist, Frenchie Cumpio, 26, and her former roommate, Marielle Domequil, were sentenced to 12-18 years in prison on Thursday after being found guilty of terror financing. The verdict, delivered by judge Georgina Uy Perez of the Tacloban regional court, has been widely condemned by rights groups and a UN rapporteur as a “travesty of justice.”
Guilty Verdict After Years of Detention
Cumpio, a community journalist and radio broadcaster, and Domequil embraced and wept as the sentence was read. They had been arrested in February 2020 on weapons charges – accused of possessing a handgun and a grenade – and a charge of terror financing was added more than a year later, carrying a potential 40-year sentence. The court acquitted them on the weapons charge.
Cumpio’s lawyer, Norberto Robel, stated that an appeal will be filed, noting that “there is still a legal remedy and pending application for bail.” The case has drawn international attention, with organizations like Amal Clooney’s Clooney Foundation for Justice raising concerns about the prolonged detention and “repeated postponements and slow progress.”
Concerns Over Press Freedom
UN special rapporteur Irene Khan previously stated that the charges against Cumpio appeared to be “in retaliation for her work as a journalist.” Advocates for Cumpio maintain she is a victim of “red-tagging,” a practice where the government links critics to communist insurgents in an effort to silence dissent.
Beh Lih Yi, Asia-Pacific director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), called the verdict “absurd,” stating it demonstrates that pledges by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to uphold press freedom are “nothing but empty talk.” CPJ noted this is the first instance of a journalist being charged with financing terrorism in the Philippines. Aleksandra Bielakowska, advocacy manager for Reporters Without Borders, described the decision as a “blatant disregard for press freedom.”
Outside the courthouse, supporters – including Cumpio’s mother, Lala – were blocked by riot police. Lala Cumpio regularly visited her daughter in prison, bringing groceries, medication, and food from Jollibee, though guards prohibited her from bringing gravy and soft drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges were Frenchie Cumpio and Marielle Domequil initially arrested on?
Cumpio and Domequil were initially arrested in February 2020 on weapons charges, accused of possessing a handgun and a grenade.
What is “red-tagging”?
According to Cumpio and her advocates, “red-tagging” is a practice in which the government links its critics to a long-running communist insurgency to silence them.
What is the next step in this case?
Cumpio’s lawyer, Norberto Robel, stated that his team will file an appeal. There is also a pending application for bail.
Given the legal avenues still available, it is possible Cumpio and Domequil could remain in detention while the appeal is processed. Alternatively, a successful appeal or grant of bail could lead to their release, though the possibility of a retrial would remain. The case is likely to continue to draw international scrutiny, potentially influencing the Philippine government’s approach to press freedom and counter-terrorism legislation.
