FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Unjust conviction of Cumpio, Domequil is an NTF-ELCAC plot — KARAPATAN
KARAPATAN Public Information
PRESS RELEASE
22 January 2026
Reference: Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN secretary general, 09173162831
KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 09189790580
Unjust conviction of Cumpio, Domequil is an NTF-ELCAC plot — KARAPATAN
TACLOBAN CITY – Human rights alliance KARAPATAN strongly condemns the wrongful and unjust conviction of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and humanitarian worker Marielle Domequil, calling it a deliberate and malicious plot by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to silence dissent through fabricated cases and weaponization of anti-terror laws.
“This conviction shows how the justice system is being weaponized to carry out NTF-ELCAC’s lies and persecution,” said Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN secretary general. “Frenchie and Marielle were targeted not because of evidence, but because of their work among the people. This ruling punishes journalism, humanitarian service, and community organizing.”
Palabay stressed that the weakness of the case has already been exposed, as the court acquitted Cumpio and Domequil of the charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. “This acquittal confirms that the accusations pushed by the NTF-ELCAC were fabricated from the start,” she said. “Yet the same lies and perjured testimonies were used to force a conviction in the remaining case.”
The charges stemmed from allegations that on March 29, 2019 in Catbalogan, Samar, Cumpio and Domequil supposedly delivered cash and support to the New People’s Army, in alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act. These claims were based on unreliable witnesses, speculative intelligence, and inconsistent narratives.
Using this 'terrorism' narrative, authorities carried out an illegal search and seizure on February 7, 2020 in Tacloban City, confiscating ₱557,360.00, which was later frozen and subjected to forfeiture proceedings. “This was harassment disguised as law enforcement, meant to break them even before any ruling,” Palabay said.
“For nearly six years, Frenchie and Marielle suffered prolonged detention, multiple cases, frozen assets, and relentless red-tagging, all without credible and independent evidence,” Palabay added. “This conviction treats lies as proof.”
Palabay said the prosecution failed to meet basic legal standards. “The elements of terrorism financing were never proven,” she said. “The case relied on intelligence claims treated as facts and testimonies that collapsed under scrutiny. The defense clearly showed that Frenchie and Marielle were doing journalism, church, and humanitarian work, and were not even in Catbalogan at the time of the alleged incident.”
She added that serious issues had long surrounded the case, including questions on witness credibility, the legality of the search, and the reliance on intelligence instead of evidence. “Still, the NTF-ELCAC pushed this case forward as part of its campaign of repression,” Palabay said.
“This decision legitimizes the misuse of anti-terror laws against civilians,” Palabay stressed. “RA 10168 is being used not to stop terrorism, but to criminalize journalists, church workers, and human rights defenders. This is lawfare.”
Palabay said the case reflects a broader pattern of repression. “It mirrors the trumped-up cases filed against activists and government critics,” she said. “It sends a chilling message that speaking out and serving poor communities can cost you years of your life.”
KARAPATAN demands the immediate reversal of the conviction of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil, their release, the return of all seized and frozen funds and properties, and accountability for officials within the NTF-ELCAC and other State agencies who fabricated evidence, relied on perjured witnesses, and carried out illegal searches.
“We call on the Marcos Jr. government to stop this dangerous path,” Palabay said. “Dismantle the NTF-ELCAC, junk the Anti-Terrorism Law, end red-tagging, and stop filing trumped-up charges. Justice cannot exist when repression is disguised as law.”#
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KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties. It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign. It was established in 1995.