THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured a court order forfeiting over P200,000 in funds linked to terrorism financing activities in the country and abroad.
In a statement on Monday, the AMLC said the order covered funds held in a bank account of a Filipino identified as a facilitator for a foreign terrorist group.
“The AMLC has secured, in favor of the government, the forfeiture of P217,165.06 previously maintained in a bank account in the name of Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar, pursuant to a favorable Decision of the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 18,” the state financial intelligence unit said.
AMLC noted that the United Nations Security Council has tagged Mr. Abubakar as a terrorist for being a facilitator for Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
International authorities earlier flagged Mr. Abubakar behind the $50,000 transfer to the recognized leader of Islamic State in Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon, with the money allegedly used for weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices.
“Abubakar came under the scrutiny of Philippine authorities following intelligence reports linking him to terrorism financing activities,” the AMLC said.
“Law enforcement authorities reported that Abubakar facilitated the transfer of funds from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines through the wives and relatives of Abu Sayyaf Group members. These reports prompted a financial investigation into his bank accounts for possible violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012,” it added. — Katherine K. Chan