TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — A regional trial court in Tacloban City has denied the petition for bail filed by community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and humanitarian worker Mariel Domequil, weeks after their conviction for terrorism financing.
In a nine-page decision dated February 13, 2026, Judge Georgina Uy Perez of RTC Branch 45 ruled that there were no “strong or compelling reasons” to grant the joint motion for temporary liberty.
The Court’s Ruling
The court’s denial focused on the severity of the charges and the potential threat to security:
- Gravity of Offense: Judge Perez characterized terrorism financing as a crime “against humanity and the law of nations,” noting that it enables acts that threaten peace and the rule of law.
- Risk of Continued Activity: The court expressed concern that the accused might continue to provide financial or operational support to designated terrorist groups if released.
- Flight Risk: The judge cited the maximum 18-year prison sentence as a significant incentive for the accused to flee, especially now that their presumption of innocence has been overcome by conviction.
- Organizational Connections: The court noted that the accused’s alleged ties to various organizations could heighten the risk of evasion.
Case Background
Cumpio and Domequil have been detained since their arrest in February 2020.
- Conviction: On January 22, 2026, they were found guilty of violating Republic Act No. 10168 (Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012).
- Allegations: The case stemmed from police claims that the two provided cash and ammunition to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Catbalogan City in 2021.
- Acquittal: Notably, they were acquitted of the non-bailable charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Reaction and International Recognition
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the denial of bail as “unfortunate and unfair,” stating that each day Cumpio remains in jail is a day she is kept from reporting on community issues.
Amidst her legal battles, Cumpio has been nominated for the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. The NUJP welcomed the nomination as a global recognition that Cumpio remains a journalist, despite government accusations. However, the group emphasized that their primary goal remains her acquittal and immediate release.