UN experts have expressed serious concerns regarding the conviction of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights defender Marielle Domequil in the Philippines, labeling the charges of financing terrorism as deeply troubling. Cumpio, an investigative journalist, along with Domequil, was sentenced by a Philippine court to prison terms ranging from 12 to 18 years on January 22. This sentencing has ignited international criticism, drawing attention to the broader issues of press freedom and human rights within the country.
The UN experts emphasized the troubling aspects of the case, highlighting the prolonged detention of the two women without due process and advocating for their immediate provisional release on bail. Cumpio’s legal ordeal dates back to a 2020 raid when firearms were allegedly found in her residence, a claim contested by Reporters sans Frontières (RSF), which alleges the evidence was planted. The financing terrorism charge was added based on funds allegedly discovered in her office.
Cumpio and Domequil’s situation highlights the controversial practice of ‘red-tagging,’ where journalists and activists are labeled as subversives and terrorists. This tactic is often employed against those probing sensitive issues, severely undermining the freedom of the press. The Philippines has been a hazardous environment for journalists, with over 200 media personnel killed since 1987, as noted by the Committee to Protect Journalists. Women, in particular, face heightened risks including harassment and intimidation both physically and online.
This case has raised alarms among human rights advocates who argue that such actions contravene international standards, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which underscores the principles of free expression and fair trial. The Philippines’ troubling ranking on the RSF’s 2025 World Freedom Index, at 116 out of 180 countries, further underscores these concerns and amplifies calls for systemic reforms to protect journalistic integrity and freedom of the press.