MANILA, Philippines — Political prisoners’ group Kapatid yesterday urged the courts to allow community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and co-accused Mariel Domequil to post bail, citing “legal flaws” in their conviction. The Tacloban Regional Trial Court Branch 45 convicted Cumpio and Domequil on Thursday of terror financing but acquitted them of illegal possession of firearms. “Justice demands that Frenchie and Marielle be granted bail while the courts review a conviction that remains deeply contested for being legally infirm and constitutionally unsound,” Lim said. The Media Freedom Coalition Embassy Network in the Philippines also reiterated their call for the protection of press freedom following Cumpio’s conviction. “We urge all stakeholders to ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of persecution,” the statement read.

Source: Philippine Star January 23, 2026 16:06 UTC