Fight for justice for Frenchie Mae Cumpio continues

Statement | March 26, 2026

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) is extremely disappointed  with the court decision denying the appeal of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and her colleague, Church worker Marielle Domequil.

Judge Georgina Uy Perez’s upholding the conviction of Frenchie and Marielle on terrorism financing bodes ill for journalists, humanitarian workers and activists in the Philippines. Judge Uy-Perez’s blind faith in the testimonies of self-declared rebel surrenderers is unacceptable and unjust. It sets a very dangerous precedent, that even without documentary evidence, the court can punish those wrongfully accused by individuals acting in cahoots with state security forces. 

The NUJP continues to stand with Frenchie and will support her fight for justice. As with other cases of trumped-up criminal charges, we are confident that the truth will prevail and she and Marielle will eventually walk free. 

Reference: 

National Directorate

secretariat@nujp.org