By Maria Theresia Recopuerto |
Photo from: Johannes Hong (Pahayagang KAPP)
This year, 2023, marks the 3rd anniversary of an alleged illegal raid at the offices of alternative news outfits in Tacloban City, where five activists, also known as the 'Tacloban 5,' were arrested.
Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marrielle Domequil, Alexander Abinguna, Mira Legion, and Marissa Cabaljao, were active members involved in independent journalism, human rights, and environmental issues.
On February 7, 2020, the Journalists, Cumpio, and Domequil, were charged with alleged "terrorist financing" over funds, Cumpio claimed, that was intended to support a local radio program.
They have also been charged with illegally possessing firearms and explosives, along with Abinguna.
In their defense, they claimed that the raiding team planted pieces of evidence, such as guns and explosives allegedly found on their beds.
As of January 23, 2023, almost three years after the arrest, the first court hearing of both Cumpio and Domequil began in the Tacloban Regional Trial Court Branch 45.
According to AlterMidya, the new charge filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) against Cumpio and Domequil is connected to the money seized during the joint police-military raid.
Moreover, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television - Philippines (IAWRT Philippines) asserted that Cumpio was denied "the right to present evidence and prove the utter falsehoods against her."
During the hearing, many supporters of Cumpio, Domequil, and the rest of the 'Tacloban 5' were present outside the courtroom of Tacloban City.
Meanwhile, members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Altermidya Network, and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) protested the dismissal of the case against journalists outside the Department of Justice in Manila.
Comments