CPJ, partners call on Philippines’ Marcos to free Frenchie Mae Cumpio ahead of firearms verdict 

The Committee to Protect Journalists and a coalition of press freedom organizations are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately and unconditionally release journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a week before a Philippine court is set to rule in the first of two cases that could see her jailed for up to 40 years.

Cumpio, who will turn 27 years old on January 23, has been imprisoned since February 2020, when she was arrested on charges of illegal possession of firearms and financing terrorism. A court in Tacloban, a central Philippine city on Leyte island, will announce its decision on the firearms charge on January 22, and the financing terrorism charge on February 9. 

CPJ and the #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio Coalition said her prolonged detention was “inhumane and has no place in a system that claims to uphold justice and respect media freedom.” The statement added that “the world is watching” and the Philippine government must “end this injustice without delay.”

The coalition also includes media groups AlterMidya, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Reporters Without Borders, and Free Press Unlimited.

CPJ has been advocating for Cumpio’s release for years. On December 22, the Philippines’ presidential office said in a letter to CPJ that it would uphold due process and protect the rights of Cumpio. It followed a letter sent by CPJ to Marcos calling for her release ahead of International Human Rights Day.

Read the full statement here.