Philippine court convicts journalist of terror financing charge in ruling condemned by media groups

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A Philippine court Thursday found a Filipina journalist guilty of financing terrorism in a verdict that was condemned by press freedom watchdogs but welcomed by anti-communist insurgency officials.

Presiding Judge Georgina Perez of the Regional Trial Court in central Tacloban city convicted Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights missionary Marielle Domequil — who have been jailed for nearly six years — of financing terrorism charges. They were acquitted on separate charges of illegally possessing firearms and explosives, court officials said.

Prison terms of 12 years to 18 years were imposed on Cumpio and Domequil, who could appeal the verdicts, Ailene Balatay, the lawyer for the clerk of court, said.

Click here to read more.