Catbalogan City, Samar — On November 11, 2024, community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, one of the "Tacloban 5" imprisoned, was allowed to testify for the first time after nearly four years in custody. Her presence before Tacloban City's Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 Judge Georgina Perez is a turning point in a case that has drawn national attention.
During a raid on February 7, 2020, the PNP-CIDG, along with the 802nd Infantry Brigade, arrested Cumpio along with co-accused Mariel Domequil, Marissa Cabaljao, Mira Legion, and Alexander Philip Abinguna. The operation was conducted at Tacloban City's Barangay 96, Calanipawan. Cumpio is also charged with financing terrorism, and the other five are charged with unlawfully possessing explosives and firearms.
During her testimony, Cumpio described the events of the raid. She recalled that they were instructed to lie on their backs near the kitchen sink and said that her view was limited, seeing only the "boots" of the officials present. She noted that due to this, she could not verify the actions of the authorities, who later claimed they found firearms, explosives, and a significant amount of cash in her shared quarters with Domequil.
Cumpio maintained her innocence, claiming she was merely doing her job as a journalist for Eastern Vista, a community media outlet with a blocktime radio program. Her defense team showed her media ID as well as records confirming payments to the radio station for air time, attempting to validate her professional qualifications and clarify that she was not involved with the CPP-NPA, as claimed.
During the hearing, youth organizations, journalists, and peace activists gathered silently outside RTC Branch 45 to show their support. They urged the government to release the Tacloban 5, highlighting the significance of press freedom and fair treatment of jailed journalists.
The Tacloban 5 were apprehended during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been chastised for reportedly tying journalists, activists, and human rights advocates to militant groups.
The proceedings in Cumpio’s case continue, with her defense and the prosecution presenting their respective evidence in this highly watched trial.
Photo Courtesy: Altermidya FB Page
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