In the Eye of the Storm: Hope for Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Tacloban 5

On 7 February 2020, community journalist and human rights advocate Frenchie Mae Cumpio was arrested for trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and terrorist financing. Known for her relentless commitment to amplify the voices of the marginalized sector, Cumpio had become a symbol of courage and veracity in a time of social and political upheaval. Her arrest, along with four fellow human rights activists, collectively known as the "Tacloban 5," alarmed human rights organizations, sparking national and international outcry to defend press freedom. For many, this incident is more than just a legal case; it is a pertinent reminder of the continuous threats against press freedom and the criminalization of dissent in the Philippines.

Frenchie Mae Cumpio is the executive director of news site Eastern Vista and radio anchor at Aksyon Radyo-Tacloban DYVL 819, where she has been reporting the abuses to the farmers of Eastern Visayas, such as bombing and harassment, by the police and military forces as part of their insurgency campaign. Her frequent coverage of these acts led her to receive death threats—a funeral wreath with her picture, intimidation, surveillance, and red-tagging from authorities. Despite it, Frenchie Mae continued to champion for the rights and provide a platform for the needs of farmers and workers in the region, not until a remorseful day in February happened.

Before the dawn of 7 February, five members of progressive groups were nabbed in two separate offices in Tacloban. Cumpio, together with Marielle Domequil, a lay worker at the Rural Missionaries Philippines were arrested in Barangay Calapaniwan. Meanwhile, Mira Legion of Bayan-Muna Eastern Visayas, Marissa Cabaljao of People’s Surge, and Alexander Philip Abinguna of Karapatan National Council were captured in Barangay Fatima. The operation was made under search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosives issued by Executive Judge Eligio Petilla of the Regional Trial Court Branch 44 on February 3. They were charged after finding live ammunition, fragmentation grenades, .45 caliber pistols, 567,000 peso cash, and a flag of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in the raid. Legion and Cabaljao were bailed out from their bailable charges, while Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguna were detained in Palo, Leyte for having non-bailable charges.

During Cumpio's initial hearing on 23 June 2020, Judge Georgina Perez of the Tacloban Regional Trial Court Branch 45 dismissed the motion to quash the search warrant and the charges brought against them. Judge Perez also rejected the request to exclude the seized evidence and to return items that were not included in the raid.

In July 2021, Cumpio and Domequil faced additional charges of terrorist financing after the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) accused them of using the 557,360 pesos worth of money for the operations of New People’s Army (NPA), where Cumpio immediately denied saying it was intended to fund a local radio show and her humanitarian project “Stand with Samar.” After roughly four years, the Tacloban 5 remain in detention and have been attending hearings. 

Today, 11 November 2024, marks a significant day for Frenchie Mae Cumpio as she takes the witness stand on her case at the Tacloban Regional Trial Court for the first time. She and her co-defendant Marielle Domequil were barred from participating in earlier proceedings because they did not respond to the civil forfeiture petition due to the difficulties related to their detention and pandemic-related restrictions.

As the case progresses, calls to drop charges, along with campaigns and petitions continue to echo from national and international humanitarian and journalist organizations. In January, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan met with the "Tacloban 5" as part of her visit to assess the state of free expression in the country. Meanwhile, international non-governmental organization Amnesty International has supported the detained activists since their arrest, even urging former Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to take immediate action on the case. AlterMidya, a network of independent and progressive media groups, has also followed the case closely, providing ongoing coverage to Cumpio’s story and those of others fighting for truth. These actions go beyond headlines—it’s an act of solidarity, a way to call for justice, and a demand for accountability from those in power.

The case of “Tacloban 5” is not an isolated case as at least 1,161 journalists, activists, and human rights defenders were arrested and detained during the Duterte administration including Reina Mae Nasino of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in 2019 and Lady Ann Salem, editor of Manila Today, in December 2020. The attacks against critics of the government persist even with a new president in the office, proving that this matter is deeply entrenched and constantly endangers freedom of expression. These individuals and alike who dare to speak out remain in perils and vulnerable to harassment and legal persecution. Despite hopes for change, many continue to face the constant threat of being silenced, reminding us that this ongoing climate of repression underscores that the protection of civil liberties is not just a political issue, but a critical threat to safety and democracy itself. 

The fights of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, “Tacloban 5”, journalists, and activists are also fights of the masses. As they stand as resilient lighthouses, illuminating our way towards truth and integrity; we should also stand firmly behind them rallying for press freedom and upholding justice. These lighthouses have had more than enough weeping, suffering from misery, and had their families mourn more than ever. Some of them broke into pieces, dimmed their lights permanently, disappearing and being left adrift in fearful waters of abuse. We must serve as refuge for those who still dare to challenge the sea of oppression, offering them a safe harbor. 

By defending press freedom, we ensure that their light does not fade. Instead, their light shines brighter, guiding the way for others to follow and continue despite being scourged by the storm.