Frenchie Mae Welcomes Change as Jail Warden Is Replaced
On July 16 of this year, Altermidya– People’s Alternative Media Network filed a complaint against Tacloban City Jail Warden J/Insp. Eva E. Naputo with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) over alleged abuses committed against persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) — specifically Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil — inside the Tacloban City Jail. The same complaint was also sent on the same day to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Manila.
In a statement, Altermidya reported that Cumpio and Domequil have been subjected to “repressive treatment,” which includes denial of access to medical check-ups, and restrictions on visits from media representatives, the international community, and diplomatic missions. The complaint further alleged that letters addressed to Cumpio and Domequil were read by the jail warden but were never delivered to the intended recipients.
Photo by Altermidya: Altermidya National Chairperson Raymund Villanueva and National Coordinator Avon Ang
A week ago, it was learned that the jail warden had been replaced. However, the name of the new officer has not been disclosed, as such changes are often handled internally within the BJMP.
The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) expressed its appreciation for this development and hopes that the new leadership will implement policies more favorable to the rights and welfare of PDLs.
Recently, it was confirmed that representatives from the British Embassy Manila (BEM) were able to visit Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil, and Alexander Philip Abinguna at Tacloban City Jail.
This visit is part of the embassy’s commitment to media and press freedom and its role as a member of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC). The embassy has expressed its intention to continue monitoring the case, which has remained in court for five years.
(Photos from British Embassy Manila: BEM team with Alexnader Philip Abinguna at Tacloban City Jail)
Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguna are part of the so-called “Tacloban Five,” who were arrested on February 7, 2020. Two of the five have since been released on bail.
Frenchie Mae Cumpio is a community broadcaster and a member of IAWRT Philippines.
