CHR backs UN rapporteur’s call to review cases vs PH journalists

JAIL VISIT Frenchie Mae Cumpio (right) is visited at Tacloban City Jail by UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan who was in the country in January on an official trip. — PHOTO FROMIRENE KHAN’S OFFICIAL X ACCOUNT

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has backed the call of United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Irene Khan to review cases filed against journalists and address the rising number of media killings in the country.

The CHR on Wednesday emphasized the importance of securing justice for media workers, calling for “swift and impartial processes” to address the cases.

“The call by the UN Special Rapporteur highlights the prolonged detention of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who was arrested on February 7, 2020 in Tacloban City on allegations of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and financing terrorism,” the CHR’s statement read.

“To date, these allegations remain unproven in court, leaving Cumpio and her co-detainees, Marielle Domequil, and Alexander Abingunia, in a state of uncertainty and deprivation of liberty,” it added.

The CHR also called for a “timely and fair trial” for journalists and human rights activists detained under similar circumstances, stressing the need to uphold justice and protect press freedom.

“We believe that giving due attention to the case of Cumpio not only helps restore faith in the rule of law but also provides an opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ commitment to its human rights obligations,” it added.

Khan visited the country last January and engaged with the CHR, government agencies, civil society organizations, private entities, and other stakeholders. Her consultations aimed to address the red-tagging of journalists and bolster the protection of media workers.

Khan also met with Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguna at the Tacloban City Jail during her visit to the country.

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