Freeze Orders Issued Against Communist Party of the Philippines and Associates

Strategic Insights -

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has approved the issuance of freeze orders against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), and other designated terrorist groups. This decision comes after the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) declared the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations on December 25, 2020. The ATC also designated the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations on the same day, citing probable evidence that they have committed acts in violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The freeze orders will allow the AMLC to examine the bank accounts of the designated terrorist groups and individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AMLC has approved the issuance of freeze orders against the CPP, NPA, and other designated terrorist groups, effective December 23, 2020, as per Executive Director Mel Georgie Racela.
  • The freeze orders were prompted by the ATC's designation of the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations on December 25, 2020.
  • The designation was made after finding probable evidence that the CPP and NPA have committed acts in violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
  • The freeze orders will enable the AMLC to examine the bank accounts of the designated terrorist groups and individuals, as authorized by Republic Act No. 10168, the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppressing Act of 2012.
  • Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, a member of the ATC, chaired the technical working group that crafted the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
  • The CPP and NPA were previously declared as communist organizations under RA 10168 in a proclamation issued by President Duterte in 2017.
  • The freeze orders are planned to be implemented within a 20-day period.

Statistics:

  • 20 days: the duration of the freeze orders issued by the AMLC.
  • December 23, 2020: the date when the AMLC approved the freeze orders.
  • December 25, 2020: the day when the ATC designated the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations.
  • 2012: the year when Republic Act No. 10168 was enacted.
  • 2017: the year when President Duterte issued a proclamation declaring the CPP and NPA as communist organizations.

Sources:

  • Manila Bulletin - "AMLC approves freeze orders vs CPP-NPA" (December 27, 2020)
  • Guevarra - "text message to journalists" (December 27, 2020)
  • ATC - "Resolution issued last December 9" (December 9, 2020)
  • Republic Act No. 11479 - "Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020" (2020)
  • Republic Act No. 10168 - "Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppressing Act of 2012" (2012)