The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemns the conviction of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and lay worker Marielle Domequil in the Terrorism Financing case against them.

The verdict is an injustice, especially in light of a Court of Appeals reversal in the forfeiture case for the money confiscated in their arrest.

We have held from the start that the charges against them are trumped up and are products of a questionable arrest and testimony from dubious witnesses.

Frenchie, as colleagues have testified in court, is a community journalist and was, at the time of her arrest, executive director of news site Eastern Vista and a radio broadcaster reporting on community issues, including alleged police and military abuses.

Her case has been emblematic of the challenged state of press freedom, and more broadly of freedom of speech and expression, in the Philippines and her conviction does not bode well for the media’s ability to report on the issues that Frenchie did without fear of reprisal and retribution.

NUJP and the coalition will stay in the fight for her and for the rest of the Tacloban 5. We call on the media community and the public to continue to monitor the case as it moves forward.

We welcome their acquittal on the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives case, however partial that victory may be.

The victory is a testament to Frenchie’s and Marielle’s courage and perseverance to fight the charges despite the odds and the resources arrayed against them, but also a reminder that we can win through the collective effort of her lawyers, supporters, friends, and her community.

NUJP is proud to have been in this fight with them and with you alongside Altermidya, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Free Press Unlimited, and Reporters Without Borders.

We acknowledge as well the solidarity and support from the Media Freedom Coalition and the diplomatic corps, who have monitored hearings and conducted visits to ensure Frenchie’s wellbeing in detention.

REFERENCE:
National Directorate
+639602784263 | secretariat@nujp.org