The Altermidya Network, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), along with church workers and press freedom advocates, held an ecumenical gathering to demand the immediate release of Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
The gathering, held in observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, called on the Philippine government and local courts to answer the call for justice for Cumpio and other activists facing state-sponsored attacks.
Cumpio, a community journalist known for her work on human rights and environmental issues, has been detained for over four years on charges that her supporters describe as politically motivated, intended to silence her reporting.
She is set to testify in court on November 11 for the first time since her arrest.
Rev. Irma Balaba of the Promotion of Church People’s Response described Cumpio as a “barefoot reporter” who, she said, served as “an instrument to amplify the voices of marginalized and vulnerable sectors.”
The UCCP pastor condemned the ‘baseless’ accusations against Cumpio and Mariel Domequil, a church worker arrested and detained alongside her.
Cumpio and Domequil, along with three other activists collectively known as the “Tacloban 5,” were arrested on February 7, 2020, during a joint military and police raid in Tacloban City.
Raymund Villanueva, chairperson of the Altermidya Network, expressed optimism that “truth will be revealed and justice will be served” for Cumpio, whom he described as a victim of trumped-up charges and state-sponsored attacks.
“Frenchie is on the side of truth. The government must immediately release Frenchie and uphold justice,” Villanueva said.
In a statement issued on Nov. 7, Altermidya Network said the observance of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a fitting time to honor journalists worldwide who face threats, harassment, and even death for their work.
The observance, the group noted, is “a reminder of the unyielding courage and sacrifice” required of journalists who challenge powerful forces in pursuit of truth.
“Ending impunity is not only a matter of accountability but an imperative for the right to information and a well-informed, democratic society,” the group said.
The call for Cumpio’s release reflects growing concerns about press freedom in the Philippines, where advocates argue that state forces use harassment, detention, and prosecution to silence dissenting voices, according to Altermidya.
The network urged the Philippine government to “fulfill its responsibility to protect journalists” and to expedite investigations into crimes against the press.
