Gov’t urged to drop charges vs Tacloban-based journalist


MANILA, Philippines — The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) has called on the Philippine government to drop charges against local journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who has been in prison for over four years.

According to the IAWRT, Cumpio, who is now 25 years old, has become known as the world’s youngest journalist in prison.

She was arrested during a joint police and military operation in Tacloban City, Leyte, on February 7, 2020, alongside four other human rights defenders.

READ: Groups troop to DOJ to demand release of Tacloban-based journalist

“Her incarceration is a gross violation of the principles of fairness and due process, and meant to render her speechless and stop her from exposing the abuse of power and human rights violations in her own community,” IAWRT said in a statement on Sunday.

READ: DOJ vows fair probe of case vs detained Tacloban journalist, activists

The IARWT further maintained that the right to free speech and the freedom to dissent are “fundamental rights that should be protected and celebrated, rather than penalized.”

“We stand in solidarity with Frenchie and demand her immediate release. It is time to rectify such injustice. No one must be punished for standing up for what is right,” the women’s media group emphasized.

Cumpio is set to testify in a local court on Monday, November 11 to defend herself against charges of illegal possession of firearms and financial terrorism.