Detained Tacloban-based journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio has been nominated for the 33rd Annual Press Freedom Awards of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Cumpio is among six journalists and media organizations worldwide shortlisted for “The Courage Prize,” which honors individuals or groups who demonstrate exceptional bravery in practicing, defending, or promoting journalism in hostile environments, despite threats to their freedom or safety.
"Frenchie Mae Cumpio courageously continued to investigate alleged police and military abuses despite repeated intimidation," the RSF said.
The community journalist has been detained for over five years alongside the four human rights activists called Tacloban 5. They face charges of 'illegal firearm possession and terrorism financing,' which carries a maximum prison sentence of 40 years.
RSF also revealed that Cumpio faces additional charges of “double murder” and “multiple attempted murder" accusations linking her to the 2019 killing of two soldiers, with no sufficient evidence.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) welcomed RSF's recognition of Cumpio's "courage and commitment to truth-telling."
"The NUJP renews its call for the immediate release of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and the dismissal of all trumped-up charges against her. Until Cumpio and all other unjustly detained journalists are free, the struggle for genuine press freedom in the Philippines cannot end," the NUJP stated.
Aside from NUJP, earlier media organizations and human rights defenders have likewise reiterated their call for the journalist's release, urging authorities to drop what they describe as "trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and financing terrorism" against Cumpio.
Cumpio was the only journalist detained in the Philippines.
RSF will recognize 29 journalists, photojournalists, and media outlets from around the world, including Cumpio.
The award ceremony has five categories: the Courage Prize, the Impact Prize, the Independence Prize, the Mohamed Maïga Prize for African Investigative Journalism, and the Lucas Dolega-SAIF Photo Prize.
This year’s Press Freedom Awards will coincide with the 40th anniversary of RSF’s founding. It will be held as part of a special RSF Festival at the Gaîté Lyrique cultural center in Paris on November 15.
Meanwhile, RSF Editorial Director Anne Bocandé will host the said event.
