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Media coalition condemns denial of jail visit to detained Filipino journalist

June 26, 2025

The Movement for Media Safety Philippines (MMSP) has expressed alarm after jail authorities denied an international press delegation access to detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio at Tacloban City Jail. The Media Freedom Coalition representatives, including members from Reporters Sans Frontiers and the Committee to Protect Journalists, were refused entry despite traveling to Tacloban on June 16, with authorities demanding excessive documentation including clearance from the Office of the President. Cumpio, arrested in February 2020 with four other activists after reporting surveillance by state agents, faces non-bailable charges of illegal possession of firearms and terrorism financing.

Who is affected

  • Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a detained Filipino journalist and radio anchor
  • The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) delegation members who were denied access to visit Cumpio
  • International press organizations including Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
  • Filipino press organizations including the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and AlterMidya
  • Four activists arrested alongside Cumpio in February 2020
  • Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna (mentioned in UN Special Rapporteur's statement)

What action is being taken

  • The Movement for Media Safety Philippines (MMSP) is expressing alarm about the jail authorities' refusal to allow the press delegation to visit Cumpio
  • UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan is highlighting Cumpio's prolonged imprisonment to the United Nations Human Rights Council
  • Cumpio is currently contesting charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives as well as terrorism financing
  • International and local press freedom organizations are advocating for Cumpio's release
  • The MMSP is complaining that Cumpio's medical and legal rights are being violated while in detention

Why it matters

  • The incident sends a "chilling message about the state of human rights and media freedom in the Philippines"
  • Cumpio's case represents what the article describes as "a broader pattern of harassment and legal persecution faced by journalists in the Philippines"
  • The treatment of Cumpio allegedly "undermines due process and exposes a callous disregard for press freedom"
  • The case highlights concerns about journalists reporting on human rights, marginalized communities, and local abuses of power being targeted
  • A 26-year-old woman journalist has been detained for over five years "simply for speaking truth to power" according to Free Press Unlimited's safety expert

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices

Media coalition condemns denial of jail visit to detained Filipino journalist