Tacloban City Regional Trial Court Branch 45 has denied appeals by activists Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil against their terrorism financing conviction and bail plea. Groups including NUJP and KAPATID condemned the ruling as a dangerous precedent. Their legal counsel plans to pursue remedies to reverse it.
On March 25, Judge Georgina Uy Perez of Tacloban City RTC Branch 45 issued an omnibus order denying motions for reconsideration by Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil on their January 22 terrorism financing conviction, which carries 12 to 18 years imprisonment. Their post-conviction bail motion, filed January 27 and denied February 13, was also rejected.
Defense argued there was no valid CPP-NPA designation at the time of the alleged crime, prosecution failed to prove knowing provision of funds, and evidence from former rebels was misappreciated without corroboration. Ephraim Cortez of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers noted the acts predated foreign designations, contravening the Supreme Court ruling in Calleja vs. Executive Secretary.
Judge Uy cited Proclamation No. 374 from December 2017 declaring CPP-NPA a terrorist group. She deemed the former rebels' testimonies credible and mutually corroborative.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expressed extreme disappointment, warning of a 'dangerous precedent' from the judge’s 'blind faith' in surrenderers. Altermidya Network criticized reliance on 'incredible and preposterous testimonies.' KAPATID stated: 'They are not terrorists. They are young people who serve and journalists penalized with trumped-up charges.'
Julianna Agpalo, their counsel, said: 'We intend to avail of all appropriate remedies under the law to seek its reversal.' The transfer to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City remains in effect.
