Philippines: Criminalization of Dissent and the Case of Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio

A Philippines court’s recent conviction of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights defender Marielle Domequil on terrorism financing charges has sparked international concern, highlighting a troubling pattern of criminalizing dissent in the Southeast Asian nation. The case exemplifies how anti-terror laws and the practice of “red-tagging” are used to silence critics and suppress freedom of expression, according to rights groups and legal observers.

The Arrests and Initial Charges

On February 7, 2020, police and military forces raided the offices of several organizations in Tacloban City, leading to the arrest of five individuals collectively known as the “Tacloban 5.” Those arrested included Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a community journalist. Marielle Domequil, a lay worker with the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines; Alexander Philip Abinguna, a member of Karapatan’s National Council; Marissa Cabaljao, spokesperson for the People Surge Network; and Mira Legion of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Eastern Visayas.

The raids followed concerns raised by Karapatan regarding surveillance of its office and other organizations. Prior to her arrest, Cumpio reported being followed by unidentified men while working for Eastern Vista, a local news website.

Authorities alleged they found ammunition, explosives, firearms, and a Communist Party flag during the raids, claiming the items were hidden under pillows and mattresses, even near a one-year-old child’s crib. The Tacloban 5 have denied these claims, alleging evidence was planted. ₱557,360 (approximately US$9,600) in cash was also seized.

The Verdict and Terrorism Financing Conviction

On January 22, 2026, the court convicted Cumpio and Domequil of terrorism financing, sentencing them to between 12 and 18 years in prison. The conviction relied heavily on testimonies from four “rebel returnees” – individuals who claim to have left armed groups and receive financial support from the military – who testified they saw Cumpio and Domequil at a New People’s Army (NPA) camp in 2019, allegedly providing cash, ammunition, and clothing.

The court acquitted Cumpio and Domequil of charges related to the illegal possession of explosives and firearms, citing unreliable witnesses and inconsistent narratives, suggesting a possibility of evidence planting. However, the same testimonies used to secure the terrorism financing conviction were deemed sufficient despite the lack of corroborating evidence.

In October 2025, the Court of Appeals had overturned a civil forfeiture case against Cumpio and Domequil, finding little evidence of their connection to the NPA and warning against hasty labeling of human rights workers as terrorists.

Red-Tagging and the Criminalization of Dissent

Rights groups argue that the case exemplifies how “red-tagging” – publicly accusing individuals of communist or terrorist links without evidence – is used to justify harassment, surveillance, and arrest and detention. This practice creates a climate of fear and suspicion, undermining due process and fundamental rights.

The Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 contains broad provisions that allow authorities to associate legitimate activities like community organizing, humanitarian work, and journalism with armed groups, even without evidence of intent to commit violence.

The Fate of the “Tacloban 5”

While Cumpio and Domequil were convicted, Alexander Philip Abinguna remains in pretrial detention six years after his arrest. He faces additional charges of double murder and attempted murder based on testimony from a “rebel returnee,” despite Cumpio being cleared of similar charges.

Marissa Cabaljao and Mira Legion were released on bail but faced asset freezes, multiple cases, and continued red-tagging.

Broader Implications and Calls for Reform

Karapatan, a human rights organization, documents a pattern of arbitrary imprisonment, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and militarization across the Philippines. According to their data, approximately 700 political prisoners are currently detained in the country, often facing similar charges and tactics.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) celebrated the conviction of Cumpio and Domequil, revealing the government’s role in criminalizing dissent.

Advocates are calling for structural reforms, including the repeal or amendment of the anti-terrorism law, explicit prohibition of red-tagging, and accountability for security force abuses. They emphasize the need to dismantle mechanisms that treat dissent as a crime to prevent similar cases in the future.