Bail denied for activists Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil

CEBU, Philippines – The Tacloban City Regional Trial Court Branch 45 has denied the bail petition of activists Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil.

Judge Georgina Uy Perez said in her decision dated February 13 and made available on Monday, February 16, that the seriousness of the terrorism financing conviction raises concern that Cumpio and Domequil may provide support to terrorist organizations if they were granted temporary liberty.

“To the mind of the court, the potential for continued involvement in such activities weighs heavily against the grant of bail,” she said.

The judge also said Cumpio and Domequil’s connections to various organizations heighten the risk of their escape from lawful custody.

“This raises concern that if released, the accused may use these connections to evade the execution of judgement,” she said.

On January 22, Cumpio and Domequil were convicted of terrorism financing based on the testimonies of alleged rebel returnees. They face facing 12 to 18 years imprisonment.

On January 27, the two, through their counsel, filed a joint motion to be allowed post-conviction bail — a form of bail that can be granted by a court when a case is pending appeal and is for an offense not punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.

Groups condemn denial

Immediately after the decision was made available on Monday, various groups condemned the ruling.

“The [Free Tacloban 5] Network strongly condemns the prolonged detention of Frenchie and Marielle,” the group said in their statement.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also condemned the court’s decision to deny the bail and urged authorities to drop all remaining charges.

“Frenchie Mae Cumpio has been deprived of her freedom for more than six years. The latest ruling is deeply cruel and unjust,” CPJ Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi said.

Cumpio and Domequil have been held in detention since their arrest on February 7, 2020, during the Duterte administration’s nationwide crackdown on activists. They are being detained at the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory. – Rappler.com