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.