AMLC OKs freeze order on bank accounts, assets of IS-linked terror groups

MANILA, Philippines–The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has approved a freeze order on bank accounts and other assets of 16 sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) and other Daesh-affiliated groups in the Philippines.

AMLC issued the freeze order following the Anti-Terrorism Council’s (ATC) resolution designating the following groups as a terrorist organization;

Islamic State in Iraq and Syria in South-East Asia Dawlatul Islamiyah Waliatul Masrik Dawlatul Islamiyyah Waliyatul IS East Asia Division Maute Group Islamic State East Asia Maute ISIS Grupong ISIS Groupo ISIS Khalifah Islamiyah Khilafah Islamiyah Mindanao Ansharul Khilafa Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Bungo Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighers-Abubakar Jama’atu al-Muhajarin wal Ansar fil Filibin Daulah Islamiyah other Daesh-affiliated groups in the Philippines

The ATC issued a separate resolution designating the groups as terrorist organizations using as bases resolutions from the United Nations Security Council, Australia, United States, and New Zealand. The ATC, in its resolution also mentioned the Marawi City siege that has served as a paradigm for like-minded groups and personalities around Southeast Asia to join militants in the Philippines.

Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the AMLC has the authority to issue a 20-day freeze order on bank accounts and assets of individuals or groups suspected of committing or supporting terroristic activities.