CPJ and more than 250 journalists urge Philippine leader to free Frenchie Mae Cumpio

New York, September 24, 2025—More than 250 journalists and representatives from media groups around the world on Wednesday called for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take “decisive action” and immediately release journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, in a letter coordinated by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio coalition.

The 26-year-old journalist has been detained for more than five years, while her trial on charges of illegal possession of firearms and financing terrorism moves slowly through the court, in a case a United Nations expert called “a travesty of justice.” Cumpio is the only journalist imprisoned in the Philippines for her work. If convicted, she faces up to 40 years in jail.

“It is unconscionable to hold Frenchie Mae Cumpio in prison for even one more day,” said CPJ Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi. “President Marcos Jr. must seize the opportunity to right past wrongs and release Cumpio. He has said his role as president is to defend press freedom. Now it’s time to show he means business and end this injustice.”

Cumpio’s trial is set to resume on September 29. In the letter, the signatories said her detention “is not only a denial of justice but also a contradiction” of Marcos’ stated commitment to press freedom. The letter called on the president to demonstrate “the highest respect for human rights” as the Philippines prepares to assume chairmanship of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year.

The #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio coalition includes CPJ, media groups AlterMidya, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Reporters Without Borders, and Free Press Unlimited. The coalition has repeatedly raised concerns over Cumpio’s prolonged detention and allegations that authorities planted the weapons that led to her arrest in February 2020.

CPJ has been advocating for Cumpio’s release for years. In mid-2022, CPJ wrote to Marcos, then president-elect, calling for charges against Cumpio to be dropped, and the following year traveled to eastern Philippines, where she is being held, to advocate for her freedom. CPJ was part of an international coalition that was denied a prison visit in June 2025.

Read the full letter below and joint statement here.

About the Committee to Protect Journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.

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Read the full letter below

Open letter from global journalists and representatives of media organizations

Dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,

We, 255 journalists and representatives from news and media organizations around the world, respectfully urge you to take decisive action to end the persecution of Filipino journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, and uphold press freedom in the Philippines, in a case that has become symbolic of the struggle for independent journalism worldwide.

For more than five years, Cumpio has been held in detention on trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and financing terrorism that could see her sentenced to 40 years in prison. She remains in prison even though she has not been convicted of any crime. Serious flaws have been documented in her case, including her court testimony that weapons were planted by local authorities to justify her arrest. She is also facing additional fabricated “double murder” charges in another case marred by irregularities and baseless accusations. At 26, Cumpio embodies the courage and determination of a new generation of Filipino journalists. Despite surveillance, harassment, and threats in the months leading to her arrest, she fearlessly reported on military abuses and human rights violations. Her ordeal highlights the deeply troubling practice of “red-tagging,” whereby journalists are branded as subversives or terrorists simply for covering sensitive issues.

As her trial nears its conclusion, with the next hearing scheduled for 29 September 2025, the urgency to act has never been greater. We share the concerns on her case expressed by the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, as well as UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan, who denounced her prolonged detention. These calls have been further amplified by the #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio coalition, composed of international and Filipino press freedom organizations.

Mr. President, in April 2024, you stated that “national interest is better served by a press that is critical rather than a press that is cooperative.” Cumpio exemplifies precisely this vision: a journalist committed to exposing abuses in order to strengthen democracy. Her continued detention is not only a denial of justice but also a contradiction of your stated commitment to press freedom.

Cumpio is currently the only journalist imprisoned in the Philippines for her work. As the country prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, demonstrating the highest respect for human rights is both urgent and necessary.

That is why we, 255 journalists from the Philippines and across the globe, urge you to use your authority to direct the Department of Justice (DoJ) to drop all charges against Cumpio and immediately restore her freedom.

Signed by:

1. Aaron Ernest Cruz, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
2. Adil Khan, Reporter, Associated Press (Pakistan)
3. Adiyasuren Rentsendorj, Editor in Chief, GoGo.mn (Mongolia)
4. Adrian Ayalin, Reporter, ABS-CBN (Philippines)
5. Adrian Puse, News Producer, Altermidya (Philippines)
6. Adrienne Fichter, Investigative Tech-Reporter, Republik (Switzerland)
7. Agatha Rabino, Manila Today (Philippines)
8. Aika Rey, Data Journalist (Philippines)
9. Aireen Jaymalin, Editor-in-Chief, BicoldotPH (Philippines)
10. Aizel Tugalon, Administrative Staff, Bulatlat (Philippines)
11. Aleksandra Bielakowska, Reporters Without Borders, Advocacy Manager (Taiwan/Poland)
12. Alexis Aubrey Asali, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
13. Alyona Nevmerzhytska, Chief Executive Officer, hromadske.ua (Ukraine)
14. Alyssa Clarin, Contributor Bulatlat (Philippines)
15. Ana Corina Arceo, Head of Copy and Editorial Standards, Rappler (Philippines)
16. Andi Syaifullah, Diksi.net (Indonesia)
17. Andrea Jobelle Adan, Editor, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
18. Ann Lourdes Lopez, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (Philippines)
19. Anne Marxze D. Umil, managing editor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
20. Antoine Bernard,  Director of Advocacy and Assistance,  Reporters Without Borders (France)
21. Arti Jaiman, Women International Network, AMARC-Asia Pacific (India)
22. Artika Farmita, Fact Checker, Tempo (Indonesia)
23. Atom Araullo, Anchor, GMA News (Philippines)
24. Avon Ang, National Coordinator, Altermidya (Philippines)
25. Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, STET Women in Cebu Media (Philippines)
26. Axell Swen Lumiguen, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
27. Asad Toor, Independent Journalist (Pakistan)
28. Asuka Hashizume, Vice-President for East Asia, AMARC-Asia Pacific (Japan)
29. Bao Choy, Independent Award-winning Journalist (Hong Kong)
30. Barnaby Lo, Reporter, Al-Jazeera (Philippines)
31. Batsaikhan Tumurbaatar, Editor, Zuunii Medee Daily Newspaper (Mongolia)
32. Beh Lih Yi, Asia-Pacific Director, Committee to Protect Journalists (Malaysia/United States)
33. Jos Bartman, Head of Investigations & Interim Head of Advocacy (the Netherlands)
34. Belly Otordoz, Correspondent, Manila Times (Philippines)
35. Bernadeth Flores Salopaso, Broadcaster, Radio Bandera Polangui 90.3 FM (Philippines)
36. Beth Frondoso, Rappler (Philippines)
37. Bonita Ermac, Journalist, Manila Bulletin (Philippines)
38. Brian Hioe, Founding Editor, New Bloom (Taiwan)
39. Carlo Manalansan, Photo Editor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
40. Carolyn Arguillas, Special Reports Editor, MindaNews (Philippines)
41. Charles Edmon Perez, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
42. Chay Hofileña, Head of Investigative Desk, Rappler (Philippines)
43. Chhan Sokunthea, Executive Director, Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) (Cambodia)
44. Chito M. Berjit, Anchorman, RPN-DYKB/ANB NEWS Online (Philippines)
45. Christa Escudero, Digital Communications Specialist, Rappler (Philippines)
46. Christopher Tirambulo, Announcer/Executive Producer, Radyo Pilipinas (Philippines)
47. Christopher Limos, Video Editor, Altermidya (Philippines)
48. Cong Corrales, Editor-in-Chief, Gold Star Daily (Philippines)
49. Czyrene Farrales, Tudla Productions (Philippines)
50. Daniela Janser, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Woz – Die Wochenzeitung (Switzerland)
51. Daniela Mauricio, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
52. Danilo Arao, Associate Editor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
53. Deo Montesclaros, Photojournalist, Alto Press (Philippines)
54. Desika Pemita, Journalist, Asia World View (Indonesia)
55. Diana Peeva, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Dnevnik (Bulgaria)
56. Diego Delfino Machin, Director, Delfino (Costa Rica)
57. Divine Miranda, Video Editor, Altermidya (Philippines)
58. DJ Yap, Newsdesk Chief, Inquirer (Philippines)
59. Dominic Gutoman, Community Manager, Bulatlat (Philippines)
60. Donavie Gud, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
61. Dwight de Leon, Rappler (Philippines)
62. Elessar Sarmago, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
63. Ellen Tordesillas, Editor, Vera Files (Philippines)
64. Elly Burhaini Faizal, Online Editor, Jakarta Post (Indonesia)
65. Emmanuel Bacarra, Reporter, Kodao Productions (Philippines)
66. Eric Lecluyse, Editor-in-Chief, 24 heures / Tribune de Genève (Switzerland)
67. Erika Sinaking, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
68. Felix Capunihan, Tudla Productions (Philippines)
69. Florian Keller, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Woz – Die Wochenzeitung (Switzerland)
70. Franck Rosete, Correspondent, Bulatlat (Philippines)
71. Gab Humilde Villegas, News Reporter, PTV (Philippines)
72. Galaarid Badam-Ochir, Former President, Confederation of Mongolian Journalists (Mongolia)
73. Geela Garcia, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
74. Gemma B. Mendoza, Head of Research and Strategy, Rappler (Philippines)
75. Genevieve Feliciano, News Producer, Altermidya (Philippines)
76. Gerald Flynn, Journalist, Mongabay (Thailand)
77. Gerg Cahiles, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
78. Glenda M. Gloria, Executive Editor, Rappler (Philippines)
79. Gretchen Ho, ONE News Reporter (Philippines)
80. Guien Garma, News Reporter, DZLB (Philippines)
81. Hadi Azmi, Malaysia Correspondent, South China Morning Post (Malaysia)
82. Hakki Ozdal, Editor in Chief, Evrensel daily (Turkiye)
83. Hammad Sarfraz, Head of Original Content, The Express Tribune, (Pakistan)
84. Haroon Rashid, Managing Editor, Independent Urdu (Pakistan)
85. Herbie Gomez, Coordinator of the Mindanao Bureau, Rappler (Philippines)
86. Ika Ningtyas, Fact Checking Coordinator, Tempo (Indonesia)
87. Inday Espina-Varona, Altermidya (Philippines)
88. Iris Gonzales, Business Editor, Philippine Star (Philippines)
89. Irsyan Hasyim, Journalist, Tempo (Indonesia)
90. Ivaylo Stanchev, Editor-in-Chief, Capital weekly (Bulgaria)
91. Iya Gozum, Rappler (Philippines)
92. Jaira Roxas, Multimedia Producer, Rappler (Philippines)
93. Jairo Bolledo, Multimedia Reporter, Rappler (Philippines)
94. Jee Y. Geronimo, Desk Editor, Rappler (Philippines)
95. Jeff Canoy, Chief of Reporters, ABS-CBN News (Philippines)
96. Jeoff Larua, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
97. Jeraldine Pascual, Writer-researcher (Philippines)
98. Jes Aznar, Photojournalist, New York Times (Philippines)
99. Jhia Tamayo, Tudla Productions (Philippines)
100. Jhoanna Ballaran, Reporter, Jiji Press (Philippines)
101. Jian Zharese Joeis Sanz, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
102. Jo Maline Mamangun, Multimedia Journalist, Bulatlat (Philippines)
103. Joanna Robles, Executive Director, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
104. Jodesz Gavilan, Writer and Researcher, Rappler (Philippines)
105. John Hurt Allauigan, Researcher, PressOnePH (Philippines)
106. John Nery, Columnist, Rappler (Philippines)
107. John Sitchon, Regions Reporter for the Visayas, Rappler (Philippines)
108. Jojo Riñoza, Freelance Photojournalist (Philippines)
109. Jola Diones-Mamangun, Executive Director, Kodao Productions (Philippines)
110. Jomar Villanueva, News Writer, ZBNI (Philippines)
111. Jonas Borja, Coordinator, Southern Tagalog Exposure (Philippines)
112. Jonathan de Santos, Chair, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (Philippines)
113. Joseph Gloria, News Producer, Altermidya (Philippines)
114. Josephine Kyi, Freelance Journalist, Visual Rebellion and Burma Associated Press (Myanmar)
115. Joyce Pañares, Manila Standard Managing Editor and Philippine Press Institute training director (Philippines)
116. Juliana Dal Piva, Journalist at ICL Notícias and Investigative Reporter for CLIP (Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism), (Brazil)
117. Julianne Judilla, Editor, Panay Today (Philippines)
118. Juno Reyes, Rappler (Philippines)
119. Justin Umali, Bulatlat (Philippines)
120. Kaizzer Angela Marie Manuba, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
121. Karen Serada, Tudla Productions (Philippines)
122. Karol Ilagan, UP College of Media and Communication (Philippines)
123. Kartika Anwar, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Kitamudamedia.com (Indonesia)
124. Kaye Cabal, Data Analytics lead, Rappler (Philippines)
125. Kaye Golez, Art Director, Altermidya (Philippines)
126. Kath Cortez, Reporter, Davao Today (Philippines)
127. Kenneth Guda, Contributing Editor, Altermidya (Philippines)
128. Kim Quitasol, Managing Editor, Northern Dispatch (Philippines)
129. Klarenz Palomer, Manila Today (Philippines)
130. Kyle Enero, Editor, Aninaw Productions (Philippines)
131. Laban Abraham Laisila- Narasi, AJI Indonesia (Indonesia)
132. Lady Ann Salem, Editor, Manila Today (Philippines)
133. Leonardo Sakamoto, Columnist for the UOL portal and president of Repórter Brasil, (Brazil)
134. Lian Buan, Senior Investigative Reporter, Rappler (Philippines)
135. Liani MK, Independent Journalist, (Malaysia)
136. Lotfullah Najafizada, Founder and CEO, Amu TV (Afghanistan/United States)
137. Lu Min Lwin, Data Journalist (Myanmar)
138. Lucelle Bonzo, Executive Director, Davao Today (Philippines)
139. Luviana Ariyanti, Editor-in-Chief, Konde.co (Indonesia)
140. M.A. Abril, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
141. Ma. Victoria Conde Bulatlat Contributor and BicoldotPH Lead of Content Operations (Philippines)
142. Macel Ingles, Pinoy Portal Europe Editor-in-Chief (Norway)
143. Mai Labsan, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
144. Mara Cepeda, Correspondent, The Straits Times (Philippines)
145. Marc Lino J. Abila, Editor-in-Chief, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
146. Marchel Espina, WAN-IFRA Women in News SEA advisor and safety manager (Philippines)
147. Maria A. Ressa, Chief Executive Officer, Rappler (Philippines)
148. Mariejo Ramos, Correspondent, Thomson Reuters Foundation (Philippines)
149. Mark Saludes, Editor, LiCAS News (Philippines)
150. Maro Enriquez, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
151. Martha Teodoro, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
152. Mech Dara, Freelance Journalist (Cambodia)
153. Merlin Manos, Journalist, GMA 7 (Philippines)
154. Mia M. Gonzales, Rappler (Philippines)
155. Michael Beltran, Contributor, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
156. Michelle Mabingnay, Reporter, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
157. Mildred Galarpe, Sunstar Cebu (Philippines)
158. Miriam Grace Go, Managing Editor, Rappler (Philippines)
159. Murat İnceoglu, Editor in Chief, Bianet.org (Turkiye)
160. Myk Ibarra, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
161. Nany Afrida, President, AJI Indonesia (Indonesia)
162. Naranjargal Khashkhuu, Chair of the Board, Globe International Center (Mongolia)
163. Natalia Viana, Director, Agencia Publica (Brazil)
164. Nathan Paul Southern, President, The Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC) (Cambodia)
165. Nazira Darimbet, Investigative journalist, Respublika (Kazakhstan)
166. Neil Ambion, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)
167. Neil Eco, News Producer, Altermidya Network (Philippines)
168. Nikita Jain, Maktoob Media Senior Correspondent, (India)
169. Nikko Balbedina, Multimedia Editor, PressOnePH (Philippines)
170. Nini Cabaero, STET Women in Cebu Media (Philippines)
171. Nop Vy, Executive Director, CamboJA (Cambodia)
172. Norman Goh, Malaysia Correspondent, Nikkei Asia (Malaysia)
173. Oliver Zihlmann, Co-Lead of the Investigative Desk, Tamedia / Tages-Anzeiger (Switzerland)
174. Paterno R. Esmaquel II, Rappler (Philippines)
175. Patrícia Campos Melo, Investigative Reporter, Folha de S.Paulo (Brazil)
176. Pat Pangantihon, Correspondent, Gold Star Daily Cagayan de Oro (Philippines)
177. Patricia Kahanap, Digital Communications Specialist, Rappler (Philippines)
178. Patrick Cruz, Rappler (Philippines)
179. Paul Soriano, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
180. Pauline Gidget Estella, Media Studies Researcher, Technische Universität Ilmenau Institut für Medien und Kommunikationswissenschaft (Philippines)
181. Pauline Macaraeg, Rappler (Philippines)
182. Pema Tso, Editor-in-Chief, Tibet Times (Tibet)
183. Pia Ranada, Community Lead, Rappler (Philippines)
184. Poramet Tangsathaporn, Foreign Diplomacy, International Relations, and Human Rights reporter (Thailand)
185. Princess Ruth Nacional, Contributor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
186. Queenter Mbori, Executive Director, Association of Women in Media Kenya (Kenya)
187. Rafael Mendoza, Manila Today (Philippines)
188. Ramnath Bhat, President, AMARC-Asia Pacific (India)
189. Rana Ayyub, Investigative Journalist and Columnist at the Washington Post (India)
190. Randy Hagos, News Editor, Abante (Philippines)
191. Raymund Villanueva, Treasurer, AMARC-Asia Pacific (Philippines)
192. Raza Rumi, Editor, Naya Daur Media and The Friday Times (Pakistan)
193. Radzi Abdul Razak, Director, Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM) (Malaysia)
194. Red Batario, Center for Community Journalism and Development executive director (Philippines)
195. Regine Cabato, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
196. Renato Beck, Co-Editor in Chief, Woz – Die Wochenzeitung (Switzerland)
197. Rey Anthony Ostria, Editor-at-Large, BicoldotPH (Philippines)
198. Reynard Magtoto, Editor, Baretang Bikolnon (Philippines)
199. Reza Gunadha, Vice Editor-in-Chief, Suara.com (Indonesia)
200. Rhea Padilla, News Director, Altermidya Network (Philippines)
201. Ricky Bautista, Samar Chronicle Editor and Region 8 Media-Citizen Council president (Philippines)
202. Rifqi “Raja” Muzakki, Events & Outreach Lead, New Naratif (Indonesia)
203. Ritche Salgado, Desk Editor, Bulatlat (Philippines)
204. RK Anand, Executive Editor, Malaysiakini (Malaysia)
205. Rob Rose, Investigative Journalist and Editor, Currency News (South Africa)
206. Romie Malonzo, Kodao Productions (Philippines)
207. Ron Lopez, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
208. Ronalyn V. Olea, Bulatlat Editor-in-Chief, (Philippines)
209. Ronson Chan, News Head, Channel WE (Hong Kong)
210. Rowena Paraan, Training Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Philippines)
211. Roy Barbosa, Manila Today (Philippines)
212. Ruiyao Luo, Independent Journalist, (Sri Lanka)
213. Ruth Cabal, News Anchor, TV5 (Philippines)
214. Ruth Kronenburg, Executive Director, Free Press Unlimited (Netherlands)
215. Sam Jahan, Convenor, Bangladesh Journalists in International Media (Bangladesh)
216. Sam Sole, Managing Director, amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism (South Africa)
217. Samantha Bagayas, Rappler (Philippines)
218. Sanjoy Hazarika, Author and Independent Columnist (India)
219. Sean Cortez, Manila Today (Philippines)
220. Selina Cheng, Chairperson, Hong Kong Journalists Association (Hong Kong)
221. Shahina K.K., Founder and CPJ’s 2023 International Press Freedom Awards winner, Offbeat Concerns (India)
222. Shahzeb Ahmed, Prism Editor, Dawn (Pakistan)
223. Shane Gregory Elson, Vice-President for Pacific, AMARC-Asia Pacific (Australia)
224. Sherwin De Vera, Editor, Northern Dispatch (Philippines)
225. Shirley Leung, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Photon Media (Hong Kong)
226. Shuruq As’ad, Palestine Journalism Hub (Palestine)
227. Simon Allison, International Editor, The Continent (South Africa)
228. Sinam Mitro Sutarno, Vice-President for Southeast Asia, AMARC-Asia Pacific (Indonesia)
229. Sonia M. Capio, Journalist, Gender Voice Promotions (Philippines)
230. Sonny Fernandez, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
231. Subas Khatiwada, Vice-President for South Asia, AMARC-Asia Pacific (Nepal)
232. Supinya Klangnarong, Deputy President, AMARC-Asia Pacific (Thailand)
233. Swe Win, Editor-in-Chief, Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
234. Ted Regencia, Reporter, Al-Jazeera (Philippines)
235. Tenzin Paldon, Editor-in-Chief, Voice of Tibet (Tibet)
236. Therese Torres, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (Philippines)
237. Thum Ping Tjin, Founder, New Naratif (Singapore)
238. Tom Grundy, Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
239. Trần Quỳnh Vi, Managing Editor, Luật Khoa (Vietnam)
240. Trịnh Hữu Long, Editor-in-Chief, Luật Khoa (Vietnam)
241. Tseveenkherlen Tseveendolgor, Editor, Mongolian National Broadcaster (Mongolia)
242. Uni Lubis, Editor in Chief, IDN Times (Indonesia)
243. Ushar Daniele, Freelance Producer and Journalist, (Malaysia)
244. Velislava Popova, Editor-in-Chief, Dnevnik (Bulgaria)
245. Voltaire F Domingo, Co-Founder, NPPA IMAGES (Philippines)
246. Voltaire Tupaz, Co-founder, FYT Media (Philippines)
247. Wahyu Dhyatmika, Chief Executive Officer, Tempo Digital (Indonesia)
248. Wai Moe, Freelancer for International Outlets including NPR, SCMP (Myanmar)
249. William Oloo Janak, Kenya Correspondents Association (Kenya)
250. Yasmin Coles, Freelance Journalist (Philippines)
251. Ye Aung Thu, World Press Photo Award-winning Journalist (Myanmar)
252. Yevheniia Motorevska, Investigative Reporter, The Kyiv Independent (Ukraine)
253. Zahra Joya, Founder and Executive Editor, Rukshana Media (Afghanistan)
254. Zahra Nader, Editor-in-Chief, Zan Times (Afghanistan)
255. Zedrich Xylak Madrid, Photojournalist, Pinoy Weekly (Philippines)