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February 13, 2026 – General –
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have jointly nominated Philippine journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio for the prestigious UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, highlighting her commitment to independent reporting amid threats and detention. The nomination was announced in early February 2026 as part of UNESCO’s annual recognition of individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to press freedom.
Cumpio, a correspondent for independent outlets in the Philippines, has been a vocal reporter on issues including local governance, human rights violations, and abuses by state and non-state actors. Her reporting has drawn the ire of authorities, resulting in repeated legal challenges and her detention in connection with charges that rights groups say are politically motivated and aimed at stifling critical journalism.
In nominating Cumpio for the Guillermo Cano Prize, CPJ underscored her resilience in the face of intimidation, arrests, and legal harassment for her work. The prize is named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated in 1986 for his reporting on drug cartels, and it is intended to honour those who demonstrate courageous commitment to press freedom and independent journalism. CPJ’s nomination statement highlighted Cumpio’s unwavering dedication to informing the public despite pressures that have sought to curtail her reporting activities.
RSF and partner NGOs also emphasised Cumpio’s role in exposing abuses at the local level and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities in the Philippines. They noted that her challenges with authorities — including arrest and detention — reflect a broader pattern of legal repression against journalists who report on governance issues and social injustices. The nomination is part of a coordinated submission to UNESCO, in which multiple press freedom groups from around the world propose candidates whose work represents the core values of free expression and accountability.
Both CPJ and RSF urged UNESCO’s grant committee to consider Cumpio’s nomination as symbolic of the risks journalists face globally, particularly in environments where legal systems are leveraged to intimidate and constrain independent reporting. The nomination mirrors similar submissions in previous years that have drawn international attention to award-worthy journalists confronting censorship, imprisonment, or violence.
If selected, Cumpio would join a distinguished list of awardees recognised for exceptional courage in journalism. The UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is presented annually on World Press Freedom Day (3 May) in Paris, and is intended to draw global focus to cases where press freedom is under threat and to celebrate individuals and organisations that defend the right to free expression. Nominees are evaluated based on the impact, courage, and societal importance of their work.
Reference –
CPJ nominates Philippine journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio for UNESCO’s Guillermo Cano Prize
