Filipino Journalist Found Guilty in Landmark Terror Financing Case
In a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the international media community, Filipino journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio has been found guilty of terror financing by a regional court in Tacloban. The 26-year-old community journalist and radio broadcaster, who has spent nearly six years in pre-trial detention, was sentenced to between 12 and 18 years imprisonment alongside her former roommate Marielle Domequil.
A Verdict Condemned as a 'Travesty of Justice'
The ruling has been met with widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and United Nations representatives. Both Cumpio and Domequil broke down in tears as Judge Georgina Uy Perez delivered the guilty verdict, though they were acquitted on separate weapons charges. Speaking outside the courthouse, Cumpio's lawyer Norberto Robel confirmed his team would immediately file an appeal against what he described as a deeply flawed judgment.
Reporters Without Borders issued a statement declaring the verdict demonstrated a "blatant disregard for press freedom" in the Southeast Asian nation. Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists' Asia-Pacific director Beh Lih Yi called the decision "absurd" and suggested it exposed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's pledges to uphold media freedom as "nothing but empty talk".
Six-Year Legal Battle and Allegations of 'Red-Tagging'
Cumpio's legal ordeal began in February 2020 when she was arrested on weapons charges, accused of possessing a handgun and grenade. More than a year later, prosecutors added the more serious terror financing charge, which carries a potential 40-year prison sentence. Throughout her detention, Cumpio and her advocates have maintained she is a victim of "red-tagging" - a practice where the Philippine government links critics to communist insurgents to silence dissent.
UN special rapporteur Irene Khan has previously stated the charges against Cumpio appeared to be "in retaliation for her work as a journalist". The case has been closely monitored by international organisations including Amal Clooney's Clooney Foundation for Justice, which questioned the lengthy pre-trial detention citing "repeated postponements and slow progress".
Growing International Concern and Family Anguish
The verdict comes despite mounting international pressure for Cumpio's release. In September, more than 250 journalists and media groups called on President Marcos to drop what they described as "trumped up" charges. Cumpio's legal team has argued the country's anti-terror law is being weaponised against dissenters, with lawyer Josa Deinla stating it serves as "a ready and convenient weapon against dissenters in this society".
Outside the courthouse, riot police blocked supporters including Cumpio's mother Lala from entering the courtyard. In emotional scenes, Lala broke down in tears alongside her two sons as the verdict was announced. Speaking to AFP the previous evening, she revealed she visits her daughter monthly, bringing groceries, medication and chicken from popular fast-food chain Jollibee, though guards prohibit bringing in accompanying gravy and soft drinks.
"Of course, I'm worried," Lala said of the looming decision. "My youngest keeps asking when his big sister will come home." The case represents the first time a journalist has been charged with financing terrorism in the Philippines, setting a concerning precedent for media freedom in the region.
