AMLC Freezes Assets of 16 Groups Labeled as Terrorist Organizations

The Anti-Money Laundering Council in the Philippines has frozen the accounts of 16 organizations after the Anti-Terrorism Council designated them as terrorist groups.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has imposed the Sanctions Freeze Order under Resolution No. TF-50 on the 16 organizations deemed to be terrorist groups by the Anti-Terrorism Council. The AMLC has directed the Sanctions Freeze Order to take effect immediately. The 16 organizations are as follows:

• Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions
• Katipunan ng mga Samahang Mangagagawa (KASAMA) or Federation of Labor Organizations
• Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid or National Association of Peasants
• Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA) or Patriotic Movement of New Women
• Kabataang Makabayan (KM) or Patriotic Youth
• Katipunan ng Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA) or Association of Patriotic Teachers
• Makabayang Samahan Pangkalusugan (MASAPA) or Patriotic Health Association
• Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB) or League of Scientists for the People
• Lupon ng Manananggol para sa Bayan (LUMABAN) or Committee of Lawyers for the People
• Artista at Manunulat para sa Sambayanan (ARMAS) or Artists and Writers for the People
• Makabayang Kawaning Pilipino (MKP) or Patriotic Government Employees
• Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families (COMPATRIOTS)
• Christians for National Liberation (CNL)
• Moro Resistance and Liberation Organization (MRLO)
• Revolution Organization of Lumads (ROL)

The sources were unable to mention which bank accounts these organizations held or how they were identified. AMLC Secretariat Mel Georgie Racela said in a statement that the free order was issued in response to the ATC designating the 16 groups as terrorist organizations in accordance with Resolution No.28, dated January 26th, 2022. 

According to the watchdog, the sanction order includes all related accounts owned or linked to the terrorist organizations, their acts, or threats. The order also includes the freezing of properties wholly or jointly owned by the group, as well as property bought using the funds or assets owned by the group. The property owned by individuals within the different organizations was also included.

“All covered persons are mandated to submit as Suspicious Transaction Report all previous transactions of the designated persons within five days from the effectivity of this Order,” Racela added.

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