Judge gave weight to testimony of 4 ex-rebels in Cumpio case – Inquirer.net

A Philippine court has found journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio guilty of financing terrorism, a verdict that has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates. Cumpio, along with activists Marielle Bañez and Sarah Jane Quiñones, received a sentence of six years in prison.

Frenchie Mae Cumpio Convicted of Terrorism Financing

The verdict, handed down by Judge Tarcelo Sabarre of the Regional Trial Court Branch 8 in Tacloban City, stemmed from allegations that Cumpio provided financial support to communist rebels. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of four former rebels, described as “returnees,” who detailed alleged financial contributions and interactions with Cumpio.

According to Rappler, the court did not find a direct money trail linking Cumpio to the New People’s Army (NPA), but instead based its decision on the testimonies of the former rebels. The defense argued that the testimonies were fabricated and coerced.

Cumpio, who is the executive director of the Eastern Visayas chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), was arrested in February 2020. She has maintained her innocence, and supporters claim the charges were politically motivated.

The BBC reported that Cumpio was accused of funneling money to the NPA through the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, an organization that provides aid to impoverished communities.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its commitment to fighting extremism following the verdict. The AFP stated it will continue to pursue all fronts in its efforts to counter terrorism.

The Guardian detailed the lengthy pre-trial detention Cumpio endured, spending six years in jail without a trial. Concerns have been raised about the fairness of the proceedings and the impact of the conviction on press freedom in the Philippines.