A Philippine court convicted journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio on terrorism financing charges Thursday, sentencing her to over a decade in prison. The ruling sparked outrage from rights and press groups, who decried it as an attack on press freedom. Cumpio, along with her former roommate Marielle Domequil, received a 12-to-18-year sentence from the Regional Trial Court in Tacloban City.
Cumpio and Domequil have been jailed since their 2020 arrest. While convicted of financing terrorism, they were acquitted of possessing firearms and explosives. Before her arrest, Cumpio, a radio reporter and writer for Eastern Vista, covered community and local politics in the Eastern Visayas region. Authorities alleged her reporting favored communist insurgents.
Critics view Cumpio's case as an example of "red-tagging," where Filipino authorities link critics to communist insurgents. Her arrest occurred during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency. Rights groups are expected to appeal the conviction and continue advocating for Cumpio's release.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom in the Philippines. Red-tagging has been a persistent issue, raising fears of self-censorship among journalists. The verdict intensifies scrutiny of the Philippine government's approach to dissent.
Cumpio's legal team will likely file an appeal. International press organizations are expected to increase pressure on the Philippine government. The case will continue to be a focal point in discussions about human rights and freedom of the press in the Philippines.
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