MANILA, Philippines — Twenty four judges from Mindanao underwent training on money laundering, terrorist financing, and financial crimes amid recent attacks in the region.
The judges from Sulu, Basilan, Marawi, and Zamboanga attended the training last November 19 and 20, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Among the speakers were US Chief Magistrate Judge, District of Utah, Judge Paul Warner who discussed techniques on investigating financial crimes as well as ways criminal proceeds are laundered.
US Department of Justice Resident Legal Advisor David Bragdon, meanwhile, discussed international perspectives on Ponzi schemes and asset management.
Filipino lecturers likewise joined the discussions, particularly on forfeiture, the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council, and key procedural and substantive aspects of money laundering prosecutions.
Among the Filipino lecturers were Atty. Matthew David of Anti-Money Laundering Council Secretariat, Professor Jose Jesus Disini, Jr., Atty. Juan De Zuniga, Jr. of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Teresita Herbosa.
RTC Judge Sittie Laarni Umpa of Marawi City, who joined the training, said she learned a lot from the gathering as they discussed situations that are “very relevant to these times, especially with the ease of transactions that the internet and other high technology gadgets provide.”
“We are very thankful to the speakers and the sponsors because we have gained deeper insights and those insights widened our perspective on the issues and laws discussed,” Umpa said.