Tacloban city: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday welcomed the ruling of a regional trial court convicting two activists of financing terrorism. NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said the conviction of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil by Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City is proof that the justice system works independently and on the basis of evidence.
According to Philippines News Agency, RTC Branch 45, a designated anti-terrorism court, presided over by Judge Georgina Perez, found Cumpio and Domequil guilty of terrorism financing under Republic Act 10168. The court, however, cleared them of illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges.
The International Monetary Fund defines terrorism financing as involving the raising and processing of funds to supply terrorists with resources. 'We welcome and respect the ruling,' Torres said while stressing that the case was supported by sworn testimonies, financial records, and material evidence showing the deliberate handling of funds for a terrorist organization, acts penalized under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.
Torres added that the acquittal on the firearms case strengthened the credibility of the judiciary. 'The same court that acquitted them of one charge convicted them of another after a full trial. This demolishes claims of political persecution and shows judicial independence,' he said.
The two were among the 'Tacloban 5,' arrested in a Feb. 7, 2020 raid on alleged communist safe houses. Authorities seized firearms, grenades, communist flags, and more than PHP557,000 in cash during the operation. Cumpio was then executive director of alternative news outlet Eastern Vista, while Domequil worked as a lay worker for the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.
Their co-accused Mira Legion of Bayan and Marissa Cabaljao of People Surge, are out on bail while Philip Abinguna of Karapatan remained detained. Their cases are ongoing.
