How ‘ex-rebel’ testimonies convicted Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil

CEBU, Philippines – After waiting for more than half a decade in detention, a Tacloban court convicted Filipino journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and lay worker Marielle Domequil of terrorism financing last January 22.

International human rights organizations and media groups decried the decision that sentenced both Cumpio and Domequil to 12 to 18 years of imprisonment and a fine of P500,000 per person.

Based on the judgment signed by Judge Georgina Uy Perez of Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City, the testimonies of alleged rebel returnees who claimed they saw Cumpio and Domequil transfer funds to fund the New People’s Army weighed heavier than the accused’s denials and alibis.

Watch our explainer of the case here. – Rappler.com