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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Tacloban court convicts journalist, activist of terrorism financing

Tacloban court convicts journalist, activist of terrorism financing

Published Jan 22, 2026 09:54 am  |  Updated Jan 22, 2026 01:55 pm
TACLOBAN CITY — After over six years in detention, journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and activist Marielle Domequil were convicted of terrorism financing by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 here on Thursday.
But the court acquitted them of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
They were among the “Tacloban 5” who were arrested by authorities during a raid on Feb. 7, 2020.
Cumpio and Domequil were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 8(ii) of Republic Act 10168, the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
Based on the testimonies of prosecution witnesses and the evidence established, the accused provided and delivered P100,000 in cash, two boxes of .45 caliber bullets, 12 shotgun ammunition, and textile to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in San Andres, Catbalogan City on March 29, 2019. The CPP-NPA was declared a terrorist organization under Proclamation No. 374 issued on Dec. 5, 2017.
“Thus, at the time the two accused provided cash and supplies to its members, the organization was already domestically recognized or identified as a terrorist group. These facts collectively satisfy all the elements of Violation of Section 8(ii) of RA 10168,” the court said.
The accused were sentenced to suffer an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment from 12 years, five months, and 11 days of reclusion temporal as minimum to 18 years, eight months, and one day of reclusion temporal maximum as maximum. They were ordered to pay a fine of P500,000 each.
The court ordered the commitment of the accused at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
Cumpio's lawyer said that they are allowed to file an application for bail if the decision is not yet final and executory.
He added that they will study the decision and discuss their legal remedies.
Cumpio was the executive director of alternative news outlet Eastern Vista while Domequil was a lay worker for the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP).
Cumpio was reporting on alleged military and police abuses when she was arrested.
Cumpio, 27, and Domequil, 28, were charged along with Philip Abinguna of human rights group Karapatan, Mira Legion of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), and Marissa Cabaljao of environmental organization People Surge.
Legion and Cabaljao were released on bail.
RTC Branch 45 headed by Judge Georgina Perez Uy is a designated anti-terrorism court by the Supreme Court.

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Tacloban City Terrorism financing Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio
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