The Philippines on Saturday commemorated National Press Freedom Day, as media advocates renewed calls for the immediate release of detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration to free Cumpio, whose trial is nearing its conclusion.
Cumpio, 26, has been detained for over five years on charges of illegal possession of firearms and financing terrorism—allegations her supporters dismiss as baseless. If convicted, she faces up to 40 years in prison.
The #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio coalition—composed of CPJ, AlterMidya, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Reporters Without Borders, and Free Press Unlimited—said her continued detention serves as a “sobering reminder” of the risks journalists face simply for doing their jobs.
“CPJ has been advocating for Cumpio’s release for years. In mid-2022, CPJ wrote to President Marcos Jr., then as 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,” the group said.
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored the importance of responsible and ethical journalism in navigating the challenges of the digital era, as she addressed media practitioners during the National Press Freedom Day conference at the Ibis Styles Hotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.
“This conference is more than just a gathering of writers, reporters, scholars, and journalists. It is an exercise in ethical and responsible reporting – a reassurance that information is power and those who wield it have more responsibility than they can imagine,” Castro said.
She urged journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, transparency, and equality despite mounting challenges, including online disinformation and growing public distrust.
“Challenges will always be present in any profession and era. Whether you are in print, radio, TV, or digital media, let these shape you into members of the press that future generations will look up to,” Castro said, reaffirming the Marcos administration’s commitment to upholding press freedom.
“As your partners in government, we, too, strive to defend the citizens’ right to free speech. We expect your desire to bring forward the truth in every article you write, in every broadcast you air, and every story you pursue,” she added.
