Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the reported situation of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil inside Tacloban City Jail

The Commission on Human Rights (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.

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.

According to the reports received by the Commission, both Cumpio and Domequil have experienced serious delays in the provision of medical attention, the processing of consent forms for trial monitoring, and the approval of visits from media and diplomatic representatives.

Further, accounts from their families and support networks allege that the two have been denied their right to confidential communication with legal counsel. Reports also indicate that personal letters have been read or withheld by jail authorities.

It is worth noting that UN 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. [1]

CHR reiterates that the Philippine government bears the duty to uphold the rights and dignity of all persons, including those deprived of liberty. Compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol requires duty-bearers to actively safeguard the welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and ensure their humane treatment.

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. In support of this goal, the newly launched Bantay Bilangguan campaign advocates for vital reforms to strengthen protections in places of detention. bit.ly/3IxtDrq

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.

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR remains steadfast in its mandate to uphold justice, human rights, and the rule of law. A prompt and impartial resolution of this case is essential to strengthening accountability and reaffirming the country’s commitment to human rights. ###

***

[1] Human Rights Council, A/HRC/59/50/Add.1 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, 04 June 2025 https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session59/advance-version/a-hrc-59-50-add.1-aev.pdf