links https://kodao.org/chr-urges-respect-of-cumpio-domequils-rights/
Frenchie Mae Cumpio: Investigation into a fabricated case designed to convict a Philippine journalist
------------------------------------------
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the government to respect the rights of jailed journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and co-accused Marielle Domequil following complaints filed against the Tacloban City Jail – Female Dormitory warden.
The national human rights institution said it is the duty of the government to uphold the rights and dignity of all persons, including those deprived of liberty.
“The (CHR) has taken cognizance of reports concerning the alleged mistreatment and abuse of detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil at the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory,” it said.
Altermidya in a letter complaint filed with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the CHR last July 16 sought an investigation on the reported mistreatment of Cumpio, Domequil and other detainees at the said jail facility.
CHR reminded the government of its duty to comply with the United Nations Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol and actively safeguard the welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and ensure their humane treatment.
“In line with its mandate to investigate alleged human rights violations in places of deprivation of liberty, the CHR has coordinated with the concerned city jail and its wardens to address these complaints. The matter has been referred to CHR Regional Office VIII for investigation,” the CHR said.
It also noted that United Nations special rapporteur Irene Khan in her 2024 report on the state of freedom of opinion and expression in the Philippines urged the government to address the circumstances surrounding the continued detention of Cumpio, Domequil, and co-accused Alexander Philip Abinguna.
“The reported case of Cumpio and Domequil reflects broader systemic issues faced by many PDLs nationwide. The CHR continues to emphasize the urgent need to establish a National Preventive Mechanism, an independent body tasked with preventing torture and other forms of ill-treatment in detention facilities,” it said.
“CHR assures the families and supporters of Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguna that it remains actively engaged in the investigation and in advocating for their rights,” it added.
Meanwhile, BJMP Region 8 has informed Altermidya that its investigation against Naputo has been completed.
“All pertinent facts and findings have been duly gathered, evaluated, and documented in accordance with our Comprehensive BJMP Administrative Disciplinary Machinery, BJMP Region 8 direcrtor Rill Sonon informed Altermidya in a July 30 letter.
“The investigation report is hereby forwarded to the BJMP National Headquarters for appropriate information and reference,” the letter further reads. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
DISCLOSURE: The reporter is the signatory of the Altermidya complaint as network chairperson. He is also the addressee of the letter from BJMP-8.
KODAO Websites
links:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS WEBSITES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
