After six years of preventive detention, the Tacloban Regional Trial Court convicted Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a journalist, and Marielle Domequil, a lay worker, in connection with the terrorism financing case. The court imposed sentences of 12 to 18 years in prison, while acquitting them of the illegal possession of firearms charge. The decision immediately drew criticism from human rights groups.
Based on the court's decision, the prosecution allegedly proved all the elements necessary for violating Republic Act No. 10168, or Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. According to the verdict, the two were not only alleged accomplices but directly provided money and supplies, including ammunition, to members of the CPP-NPA in 2019—at which time it was considered a terrorist organization under the law.
Despite this, lawyers and observers have insisted that there are serious due process issues, especially given a previous decision in favor of the accused regarding the alleged seizure of evidence. The case highlights the broader issue of how counterterrorism laws can be used or abused, and how this affects free press, advocacy, and civic activity in the country.
