A court convicted community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights worker Marielle Domequil of terror financing based on testimony from rebel returnees. The accused claim the P100,000 they provided was for communities displaced by militarization in Leyte and Samar, not for the New People’s Army. This case highlights the weaponization of anti-money laundering laws against activists amid the Philippines' gray list status with the FATF.
Last week, community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights worker Marielle Domequil were convicted of terror financing. The conviction relied not on a money trail but on statements from rebel returnees claiming the pair were in the mountains of Catbalogan and handed over P100,000 in cash to the New People’s Army. However, Cumpio stated that the funds were intended for communities displaced by military operations in Leyte and Samar.
As a result, they have already served six years in prison and face a sentence of 8-12 years, imposing a harsh penalty. This case ties into the Philippines' placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, a G7 initiative highlighting deficiencies in curbing dirty money and terror financing. The country is notorious for issues like Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) used for money laundering, as well as incidents such as the 2016 Bangladesh Bank cyber heist and the Wirecard scandal.
According to Human Rights Watch, the government's response involves filing terror financing cases against progressive organizations rather than syndicates. Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists noted that the ruling demonstrates the military and government's efforts to silence critical journalists. Cumpio was arrested at midnight, a form of harassment, and waited five years before testifying.
While real money launderers like Pharmally boss Lin Weixiong remain free, anti-money laundering laws are being weaponized against activists and their modest funds. This undermines the justice and financial reputation of the Philippines, potentially affecting the country's credit rating. The 56-year-old insurgency remains complex, but vulnerable activists in cause-oriented groups are repeatedly targeted by draconian anti-terror laws.
