The court has spoken. Justice has been fairly dispensed with—based on evidence, not noise, not ideology, and not propaganda.

January 22, 2026

We welcome and respect the ruling of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 45, Tacloban City, an anti-terrorism designated court, convicting Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil for Terrorism Financing under Republic Act No. 10168, while acquitting them of the separate charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

This decision, rendered by Presiding Judge Georgina Perez, is a clear affirmation that our justice system is working exactly as it should—independently, impartially, and anchored on due process and evidence.

Let me be unequivocal: this case was not manufactured. It did not arise from thin air. It was built on sworn testimonies, financial evidence, and material facts that demonstrated the deliberate handling and facilitation of funds for a terrorist organization. That is precisely what the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act criminalizes—the act of providing, collecting, or channeling resources for groups designated as terrorists.

The acquittal of the accused on the illegal possession case only strengthens, rather than weakens, the credibility of the judiciary. The same court that acquitted them of one charge convicted them of another after full trial. This alone demolishes the false narrative that the courts are mere rubber stamps for the State or instruments of political persecution. It shows judicial independence. The court separated what was not proven from what was proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Claims now being peddled that this conviction is “unjust,” “manufactured,” or the product of “military-controlled” witnesses are nothing more than desperate propaganda. The defense had every opportunity to challenge the credibility of witnesses, to rebut the financial trail, and to dismantle the prosecution’s theory. They failed. The court weighed both sides and ruled accordingly.

Let us be clear: terrorism financing is not journalism. It is not church work. It is not human rights advocacy. No one is being convicted for dissent. No one is being punished for free speech. They were convicted for financing a terrorist organization—plain and simple. You do not launder terror funds and then hide behind press freedom or the Bible.

To those who now claim that this ruling is meant to “intimidate journalists and human rights workers,” that is a lie meant to shield criminal liability with moral blackmail. Terrorism financing is a crime in every civilized country. If this case were tried in the United States, Europe, or Japan, the result would be no different.

We also categorically reject the insinuation that the judiciary is being weaponized by the State. This is an insult to the integrity of our courts and to Judge Georgina Perez, who decided this case based on law and evidence—not on slogans, street pressure, or international lobbying.

The remedy for those who disagree with this ruling is appeal—not incitement, not international propaganda, and not delegitimizing the justice system.

The court has spoken. Justice has been fairly dispensed with. The Filipino people believe in the rule of law, and today, that rule of law has prevailed.

The Filipino people won today—not just the State, not the military, not NTF-ELCAC.

The real victor here is justice.

USec Ernesto C Torres Jr

Executive Director

NS, NTF ELCAC