The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) welcomed the acquittal of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and lay worker Marielle Domequil in the case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, calling it a “partial victory” in the fight for press freedom.
NUJP said the ruling affirms the courage of Cumpio and Domequil to contest the charges despite limited resources, and highlights the collective effort of lawyers, supporters, and media freedom advocates. The group acknowledged the solidarity of Altermidya, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Free Press Unlimited, Reporters Without Borders, as well as the Media Freedom Coalition and members of the diplomatic corps who monitored hearings and visited Cumpio in detention.
At the same time, NUJP condemned the conviction of Cumpio on financing terrorism, noting the Court of Appeals’ reversal of the forfeiture case involving funds seized during her arrest. The union reiterated its position that both charges were “trumped up” and based on questionable testimony.
Cumpio, who was executive director of the news site Eastern Vista and a radio broadcaster reporting on alleged police and military abuses at the time of her arrest, has become a symbol of the precarious state of press freedom in the Philippines. NUJP warned that her conviction undermines journalists’ ability to report without fear of reprisal.
The group vowed to continue supporting Cumpio and the rest of the “Tacloban 5” as the case moves to appeal, urging the media community and the public to remain vigilant. (RRN)
