Two female members of a progressive group in Leyte were convicted for terror financing.

Regional Trial Court Judge Georgina Perez convicted Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil on a case for terror financing morning on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Palace of Justice in Tacloban City. 

Cumpio is a community journalist and a radio broadcaster.

The two of Tacloban 5 who were arrested in February 2020 for possession of firearms and illegal possession of explosives were acquitted. However, the court rendered a ruling that they are guilty for financing terrorism. 

Cumpio and Domequil are meted an imprisonment of from 12 years to 18 years, which upset their lawyers and families.

“Hindi po namin inaasahan na yun ang decision ni judge kasi po yung basihan po sana yung forfeiture case nila sa Manila, acquitted naman yun. Napatunayan na hindi sila ganun sa mga inaakusa sa kanila. Sana naman naging fair si judge,” Lala Cumpio, Frenchie Mae’s mother, pointed out. 

The defense lawyer said that having a terrorist group in the Philippines remains an argument. 

“And there is still an argument with respect to whether or not there is a terrorist group here in the Philippines especially na merong court decision, declaring that this organization is not a terrorist group,” said Atty. Norberto Robel Jr., defense lawyer.

Another defense lawyer said they would file an appeal of the ruling.

“We will not stop here. We will continue to fight. One, for the immediate release of Frenchie Cumpio and Marielle Domequil na sana ma-grant ang i-fa-file nating motion for them to be allowed to post bail pending their appeal. Another one is we will continue to question the decision itself in convicting both,” Atty. Julianne Agpalo, defense lawyer, said.

After the court decision was read out, Cumpio and Domequil were taken back to the Tacloban City Jail.                  

(via Miriam Desacada/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)