Israel Bars Italian Journalist Lorenzo Tondo Over Critical Reporting
February 15, 2026
Kyrie Irving Wears “Press” Shirt at NBA All-Star Game to Honor Journalists Killed in Gaza
February 16, 2026
February 16, 2026 – Philippines –
A Philippine court has denied bail to journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, meaning she will remain in detention as her legal case proceeds, press freedom advocates and local media reported on 15 February 2026. The ruling comes more than six years after Cumpio was first arrested and charged in connection with allegations of terror financing, charges that rights groups say are widely used to suppress critical journalism and dissent.
Cumpio, an editor and reporter in Tacloban City, has been in detention since 2019 after authorities accused her of involvement in alleged financing activities linked to pro-insurgency groups. She has consistently denied wrongdoing, and her supporters — including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — say the charges are politically motivated and part of broader efforts to intimidate independent media. The denial of bail was confirmed by the Regional Trial Court in Tacloban, which ruled that the prosecution had established prima facie evidence against her.
During the bail hearing, Cumpio’s legal team argued that she is entitled to release on bail under Philippine law and highlighted her status as a journalist with no prior criminal record. They also stressed her long detention without resolution and cited conditions of overcrowding and limited access to adequate legal resources. However, the court determined that the seriousness of the charges and the potential penalty justified continued detention, rejecting arguments that bail was appropriate pending trial.
Press freedom organisations and civil society advocates have condemned the decision, calling it an example of how anti-terrorism legislation can be wielded against journalists. The CPJ issued a statement urging Philippine authorities to drop all charges against Cumpio and to respect international norms that protect journalists from criminalisation for their work. Advocates argue that prolonged detention without conviction undermines due process and chills independent reporting, particularly in regions where coverage of governance and social issues can place reporters at risk.
Cumpio’s case has drawn international attention in recent years, with press freedom bodies highlighting her prolonged detention as emblematic of a wider pattern in the Philippines involving the use of broad national security laws against journalists, activists, and critics of the government. Observers say such legal frameworks, when applied to media professionals, can blur the line between legitimate security concerns and suppression of dissenting voices.
As Cumpio remains in custody, her legal team has signalled plans to appeal the ruling denying bail, and supporters plan further advocacy to draw attention to her case. Meanwhile, the journalist will continue to await trial, with no confirmed date for further proceedings. Rights groups stress the urgency of a fair and transparent judicial process in her case, underscoring concerns about prolonged pre-trial detention and the broader implications for press freedom in the Philippines.
Reference –
Philippine journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio denied bail, to remain in prison after 6 years
