Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) — The government now has authority to freeze the assets of rebel groups, said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday.
In a separate statement on Sunday, Racela said there are no accounts specifically under the name of the CPP/NPA, but the freeze order covers related accounts (RA).
In a message, Guevarra said, “The AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) can already move in the premises at any time after due designation by the ATC (Anti-Terrorism Council)… Per (Executive Director Mel) Racela, the AMLC approved its freeze order against the CPP-NPA and other designated terrorist groups last Dec. 23.”
On December 25, the ATC approved a resolution designating the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, as terrorist organizations.
“RA means all accounts opened and maintained for the benefit of said organization, the identification of which the banks and other covered persons will play a very important role,” he said.
The document approved on Dec. 9, states that there is probable cause that the CPP-NPA committed acts defined as terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and should be tagged as “terrorist organizations, associations or groups of persons.”
The ATC is the body tasked under the law to designate any individual or group as a terrorist, following the guidelines set by the United Nations Security Council.
Section 25 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 says the assets of a designated group, organization or individual shall be subject to the authority of the AMLC to freeze.
“These statutory provisions are intended to preemptively deprive designated terror organizations of resources to prevent possible terror attacks,” said Racela.
