The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it respects the ruling of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City that convicted community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and lay worker Marielle Domequil for terrorism financing.
In a statement, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military acknowledges the court’s decision and respects the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
“This conviction demonstrates that our justice system functions to address threats to national security through proper legal processes,” Padilla said.
The two accused were acquitted of charges related to illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Padilla said the ruling underscores the role of judicial institutions in independently evaluating evidence and resolving cases based on their merits.
She added that the AFP remains committed to protecting the public from terrorism and violent extremism while upholding human rights and due process.
“We will continue to support law enforcement agencies in building cases based on evidence and in full compliance with the law,” Padilla said.
The AFP declined to comment further on the details of the case, noting that the conviction may still be subject to appeal and that it respects the ongoing judicial process.
