United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, has voiced strong concerns regarding the protracted pre-trial detention of Filipino journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
“Today, 11 November, Frenchie has finally had an opportunity to take the stand to defend herself,” said Khan. “It has taken the government nearly half a decade to prepare a case against Frenchie and during this long period, this young woman has been left to languish in detention. That itself raises serious questions about the fairness of the process.”
Khan said that Cumpio’s arrest and subsequent charges may be a retaliatory response to her work in exposing alleged State-sponsored human rights abuses.
“The arrest and criminal charges, following months of ‘red-tagging,’ surveillance, intimidation, and harassment, appear to have been filed in retaliation for her work as a journalist,” she stated.
Cumpio, a community radio broadcaster known for reporting social injustices, has been held since February 7, 2020, on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and financing terrorism.
On Nov. 11, she testified for the first time in nearly five years and has denied the charges brought against her.
During her testimony, Cumpio recounted the harrowing details of her arrest, which, according to her, involved a violent raid on the rented staff house she shared with co-defendant Marielle Domequil.
She described how state forces allegedly broke down their door, entering without identification or presenting a warrant.
Forced to lie face down, Cumpio recalled seeing only the boots of the officers as they moved through the room.
When she and Domequil were finally allowed back into their room, she noted that guns and other items had been placed in plain view around them, which were later used as evidence in her charges.
The Altermidya Network reiterated that Cumpio’s experience mirrors that of other journalists who have faced similar forms of alleged harassment and fabricated charges under the previous Duterte administration.
The group noted that similar accusations were filed against Altermidya members Anne Krueger and Lady Ann Salem, who were also detained under questionable circumstances in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Cumpio’s first appearance on the witness stand, after enduring years of detention and listening to testimonies labeling her a “terrorist, criminal, and fake journalist,” was described by Altermidya as “an unflinching testament to her strength and resolve.”
Human rights groups argue that her detention exemplifies how government critics, particularly journalists and human rights advocates, face harassment and intimidation through prolonged detention and accusations of grave offenses.
Khan, who visited the Philippines early this year, shared that Cumpio’s case was not isolated. “During my visit to the Philippines in January 2024, I heard many similar stories of ‘red tagging’ followed by arrest on fabricated charges for serious offenses and prolonged detention to harass journalists and human rights advocates, and I have conveyed my serious concerns to the government,” the expert disclosed.
Khan called on Philippine authorities to carefully review Cumpio’s case and guarantee a fair judicial process. She emphasized that Cumpio deserves a prompt and just trial, expressing her hope that the court would thoroughly assess the case.
If no substantial evidence supports the charges, Khan urged that the charges be dismissed, allowing for Cumpio’s immediate release and appropriate compensation.
“The imposition of non-bailable charges and subsequent extensive pre-trial detention of critics of the government is an unacceptable practice and must come to an immediate end,” Khan said.
Raymund Villanueva, chairperson of Altermidya Network, welcomed Khan’s statement, saying it highlights the urgent need for accountability in cases involving journalists who face harassment and prolonged detention for their work.
“UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan’s voice adds global attention to the plight of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and all those unjustly persecuted for exercising their right to report,” he said.
Villanueva stressed that Cumpio’s situation exemplifies the threats faced by independent media practitioners in the Philippines, who are often targeted for their critical reporting.
“Her prolonged detention is not only an affront to her rights but also a message to all who are courageous enough to speak truth to power,” he added.
He urged the Philippine government to listen to the international community, uphold its commitments to human rights, and release Frenchie Mae Cumpio. “Accountability for this injustice is essential to restoring faith in our legal and democratic institutions.”
Cumpio is set to take the witness stand once more on Jan. 13, 2025. Altermidya Network urged the Philippine government to dismiss the charges against Cumpio and her co-accused, insisting that the accusations lack credible evidence.
