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Frenchie Mae Cumpio’s continued detention is not only an injustice against one journalist. It is an assault on press freedom, community journalism, and the public’s right to know. When journalism is criminalized, entire communities are silenced –and democracy is further diminished.
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) issued public statements on January 26 rejecting the conviction and urging its reversal.
Cumpio and Domequil were targeted because of their efforts to improve the lives of the poor people in Eastern Visayas.
“It’s based on these self-serving testimonies of these military assets, whose credibility in the first place should be questioned."
"We also grieve over what we as a people have allowed to fester: public servants who steal before our very eyes and openly get away with murder."
The conviction went against a previous decision in October 2025 by the Court of Appeals which voided the civil forfeiture case against Cumpio and Domequil.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines - Negros Island Region chapter (NUJP-NIR) viewed Delilan’s arrest as pure intimidation and harassment aimed at silencing his critical reportage.
Cumpio’s conviction would set a dangerous precedent for journalists speaking truth to power.
Cumpio’s remaining charges highlighted how the government was throwing accusations against a community journalist who was just doing her job.
“Self-assessment on our ability to cover safely as well as establishing when and how to pull out of coverage is an essential step in coverage planning."
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a journalist told Bulatlat that they were informed about the rule through their group chat. As a result, they decided not to cover the signing at the venue and proceeded instead to their press office to monitor the event.
Of the 210 cases, eight media workers were killed under the Marcos Jr. administration as of October this year.
Aside from calling on governments across the globe to free imprisoned journalists, they also called to end impunity for those who attack the press.
“This is not separate from the broader design of widespread intimidation of the youth, especially after the historic Baha sa Luneta Rally.”
Simple lang naman ang aral ng nakaraang tatlong taon. Patuloy na ipaglaban ang tama. Komprontahin ang mga nasa kapangyarihan sa bawat panunupil nila sa mga batayang karapatan. Kadalasa’y mahaba ang proseso ng pagkamit ng hustisya, pero darating at darating din iyon sa iba’t ibang porma.
Journalists strive to adjust as much as possible, but not without challenges and criticism on the changes brought upon by technology. Among these were the relegation of the industry’s monopoly on information. Consumers used to chase after information from journalists but Buan said that today, it’s the other way around.
Speakers stressed that despite progress in newsroom policies, women journalists still face hostility, both online and in the field, that exacts significant emotional and physical toll.
Media groups reiterated that families only received partial justice, as 44 individuals, including prominent members from the Ampatuan clan, were convicted since the promulgation in December 2019, and at least over 70 persons involved, including individuals carrying the Ampatuan surname, remain at large.
"The local court’s decision unblocks all the 27 websites, making this a victory against state censorship, and against the use of “anti-terrorism” rhetoric to justify the violation of free speech and expression."
Tinig ng Plaridel condemned the police’s “brazen assault on campus press freedom,” saying the incident revealed the regime’s desperation to stifle critical coverage amid growing public outrage over corruption scandals.
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