The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday declared a “decisive legal victory” for the Filipino people following the conviction of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil for terrorism financing.
In a ruling issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 45 of Tacloban City, an anti-terrorism designated court, both were found guilty of Terrorism Financing under Republic Act No. 10168, while acquitted of the separate charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
“The court has spoken. Justice has been fairly dispensed with—based on evidence, not noise, not ideology, and not propaganda,” said NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr..
The ruling, penned by Presiding Judge Georgina Perez, was hailed by the task force as proof that due process was observed and that the justice system functioned independently and impartially.
Torres rejected claims that the case was politically motivated, saying it was supported by sworn testimonies, financial records, and material evidence. He stressed that the acquittal on the firearms charge further underscored judicial independence.
“This shows judicial independence. The court separated what was not proven from what was proven beyond reasonable doubt," he said.
Responding to criticism from some groups, Torres insisted the conviction was not an attack on press freedom, religious work, or human rights advocacy, emphasizing that the offense involved financing a terrorist organization.
“The remedy for those who disagree with this ruling is appeal—not incitement, not international propaganda, and not delegitimizing the justice system,” he said, adding that the verdict ultimately affirmed the rule of law.