The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledged the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur’s appeal to the Philippine government to review the cases of journalists who are facing legal charges and to address the alarming rate of media killings in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, the CHR echoed UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan’s previous statements. As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR emphasized the importance of creating swift action to secure justice for media workers who are subjected to fabricated charges and arbitrary detention.
“The call by the UN Special Rapporteur highlights the prolonged detention of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who was arrested on 7 February 2020 in Tacloban City on allegations of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and financing terrorism,” the CHR said in a statement.
“To date, these allegations remain unproven in court, leaving Cumpio and her co-detainees, Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abingunia, in a state of uncertainty and deprivation of liberty,” it added.
Khan’s recent visit to the Philippines brought attention to the issues related to freedom of opinion and expression. Khan consulted with various stakeholders, government agencies, various organizations, and the CHR. The former implied the necessity of addressing practices like red-tagging to ensure the protection of media workers and human rights defenders in upholding justice and due process.
“While the Commission recognizes the current administration’s steps to promote freedom of expression and defend the rights of the press, we emphasize our call to duty-bearers to ensure that Cumpio, along with all journalists and human rights defenders in similar circumstances, receive a timely and fair trial,” the CHR said.
“We believe that giving due attention to the case of Cumpio not only helps restore faith in the rule of law but also provides an opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ commitment to its human rights obligations,” it added.
The CHR assured Cumpio’s family and friends that they are aware of her case and are actively monitoring her situation. The CHR is committed to ensuring that justice is served for Cumpio and other media practitioners in the country.
Moreover, resolving such cases would send a clear message that the Philippines is committed to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of media practitioners and human rights defenders.
“Journalists face immense risks and challenges in their pursuit of truth, often jeopardizing their safety to uphold the public’s right to information. As duty-bearers, we must recognize their critical role in preserving democracy and ensure their protection against threats and violence,” the CHR said.
Last month, Cumpio and the Tacloban 5 testified before the Tacloban Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Visayas, a few years after her arrest in 2020. The joint statement by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and other media organizations demanded for the journalist’s release; citing the violations on one’s freedom of speech and expression.
Consequently, Khan released a statement highlighting that the arrest and criminal charges against the journalist were a result of months-long red-tagging, surveillance, intimidation, and harassment.
Before her arrest, Cumpio was a community radio broadcaster who specialized in the abuses and human rights violations by military forces in the state.
