“The ordeal of Frenchie Mae is part of the increasing persecution of the critical media by the forces of a government so intolerant of criticism and dissent that the mere exercise of democratic rights is enough for one to be branded an “enemy of the state.”
By DEE AYROSO
“Complainants have been targeted for their critical and independent reporting on issues affecting the marginalized and oppressed sectors. They are being persecuted for publishing progressive and alternative views on matters affecting the Filipino people — progressive ideas that are anathema to the current tyrannical regime.”
“Journalism is not a crime. Instead of targeting the messengers, the authorities should instead be investigating and dealing with the real perpetrators of violence, corruption and rights abuses.”
“Our call to drop all charges against Frenchie Mae and to immediately release her is now more urgent than ever.”
“As threats of the COVID-19 worsen day after day, congestion in prison facilities poses great risks to the health of prisoners, who, contrary to the government’s stand, are in no way safe from the dangers of the pandemic.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Different groups and individuals took to social media their…
Frenchie also exposed the terror caused by military encampment in 167 communities in the region under the guise of “community support program.”
A day before the International Women’s Day, Bulatlat is featuring four Filipino women journalists who have been subjected to attacks for using her voice and pen to call out those in power as well as how they stood and remained steadfast in their cause for press freedom.
A global organization of community radio broadcasters demanded the release of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a journalist who was among those arrested in a series of simultaneous raid of offices of progressive groups in Tacloban City.
“The arrest of the Tacloban 5 (us) through the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police tanim ebidensya (planting of evidence) scheme is a manifestation that President Duterte’s administration and his cronies in the AFP in Eastern Visayas are trembling in fear because the legal activists, despite our young age and short experience just like what the AFP would say, did not fail to reach the grassroots.”
Yes, we could have a better life like what people would say but remembering the demolition threats among several barangays in Tacloban, the land grabbing cases in Tacloban and Leyte, the illegal arrests of farmers and other activists, the strong Junk STS (socialized tuition scheme) and free education campaign, WE’D STILL MAKE THE CHOICE WE MADE YEARS AGO.