Several groups gathered to commemorate community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio's third year in detention on Tuesday night, with young journalists crediting her for inspiring them to continue seeking the truth in the service of the people.
Among them was Philippine Collegian editor-in-chief Daniel Daiz, who recalled reporting on the arrest of Cumpio and four other activists in Tacloban in February 2020 on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
He said he learned from covering Cumpio's arrest that campus journalists should be consistent in their criticism.
Brell Lacerna, the national spokesperson of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, another campus journalist, covered Cumpio's arrest and called the community journalist an "inspiration."
He described Cumpio's arrest as a challenge to them to immerse themselves in the experiences of marginalized groups such as farmers and workers.
Cumpio, an Eastern Vista journalist, had been red-tagged and documented incidents of harassment and surveillance prior to her arrest on trumped-up charges, according to Altermidya Network.
Meanwhile, Cumpio and Marielle Domequil of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, a church worker, were also charged with terrorist financing for money she claimed was intended to fund a local radio show.

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Groups gathered to mark community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio’s third year in detention