DOJ to Pursue Proscription Petition Against Communist Party of the Philippines

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that it will proceed with its proscription petition against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA) or the Bagong Hukbong Bayan, two years after filing the petition. The objective of the proscription petition is distinct from the Anti-Terrorism Council's designation of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group, which is mainly aimed at enabling the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to exercise its authority to freeze assets or funds. The proscription petition has been pending before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) since February 2018, and if granted, would permit the government to seek clearance from the Court of Appeals (CA) to engage in wiretapping activities against the communists and apply for a freeze order on their bank accounts and assets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DOJ will pursue the proscription petition against the CPP-NPA, despite the separate designation as a terrorist group by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
  • The objective of the proscription petition is to outlaw the CPP-NPA, making its members liable for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
  • The proscription petition has been pending before the Manila RTC since February 2018.
  • If granted, the proscription would allow the government to engage in wiretapping activities and freeze bank accounts and assets of the CPP-NPA leaders and members.
  • Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong filed the proscription petition pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act 9372, or the Human Security Act of 2007.
  • The DOJ highlighted the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA over the years and insisted that the group was organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism.

Statistics:

  • 2-year duration since the proscription petition was filed.
  • February 2018: the proscription petition was filed before the Manila RTC.
  • The petition was filed pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act 9372.

Sources:

  • Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay (personal statement).
  • ANC News Channel interview with Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay.
  • Department of Justice (official statement).