For terrorism financing case conviction
TACLOBAN CITY– A local court here has denied the bail petition of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and humanitarian worker Mariel Domequil following their conviction for terrorism financing.
In a nine-page order dated Feb. 13, Judge Georgina Uy Perez of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 said there was no strong or compelling reason to grant bail to the two accused.
Cumpio and Domequil were found guilty on Jan. 22 of violating Republic Act No. 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. They were acquitted of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
The court cited the gravity of the offense and the penalty of up to 18 years in prison, saying these increase the risk of flight and the possibility of continued involvement in unlawful activities if released. The two have been detained at the Tacloban City Jail since their arrest in 2020.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines described the denial of bail as “unfortunate and unfair,” noting that Cumpio remains in detention while awaiting further legal remedies.
Cumpio has also been nominated for the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, a recognition given to individuals who have made significant contributions to press freedom.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
