By Ricky J. Bautista
IMAGINE a young journalist, passionate about truth, thrown behind bars simply for amplifying the voices of the voiceless.
This is the story of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a community journalist and Executive Director of Eastern Vista.
Along with four others, she was arrested on February 7, 2020, and faces charges of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms and explosives—accusations meant to silence her courage and resolve.
For nearly four years, Frenchie has been denied her freedom, her only “crime” being her dedication to exposing injustice.
Frenchie is but one of many in our country who have fallen victim to a system that stifles dissent and weaponizes laws like the Anti-Terror Act and Terrorism Financing Act against activists, human rights defenders, and journalists.
Her case is a chilling reminder of the cost of standing up for truth. When those who expose the truth are silenced, who will speak for the rest of us?
Tomorrow, November 11, she will be at the witness stand to share her story. Let us come together to show solidarity with Frenchie and the Tacloban 5. Let us stand outside the Department of Justice and demand that the fabricated charges be dropped, that these courageous individuals be freed, and that our laws protect—not punish—freedom.
Join us in calling for justice and the restoration of our freedoms.
Together with local, national and international journalists and media organizations, let’s stand for Frenchie, the Tacloban 5, and every voice that refuses to be silenced.
Aato la Frenchie Mae! Di ka nag iisa!
