2 community workers’ conviction for terror financing affirmedThe Tacloban City Regional Trial Court Branch 45 denied the separate motions filed by Cumpio and Domequil for lack of merit, noting the defendants failed to raise new issues that could warrant the reversal of the ruling. MANILA, Philippines — A trial court in Tacloban, Leyte has affirmed its earlier ruling finding community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church worker Mariel Domequil guilty of terror financing. Citing a statement of the prosecution, the court said Cumpio was secretary general of the CPP-NPA’s regional white area committee while Domequil was acting financial officer. The court cited the testimonies of two former rebels, whom the judge said had no ill motive to testify against the defendants. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines denounced the ruling, saying it “bodes ill for journalists, humanitarian workers and activists in the country.”

Source: Philippine Star March 28, 2026 16:44 UTC