Thread by @mikenavallo

Anti-Money Laundering Council has approved freeze order vs bank accts of CPP-NPA, other designated terrorist groups last Dec 23, Justice Sec Menardo Guevarra says citing AMLC Exec Dir Mel Racela.

“AMLC can already move in the premises at any time after due designation by ATC.”

AMLC’s freezing of CPP-NPA’s bank accounts comes after Anti-Terrorist Council approved reso designating them as terrorist orgs. CPP, in new statement, says it will not request for delisting as it is outside PH legal jurisdiction, rejects legitimacy of Anti-Terror law.

AMLC Exec Dir Mel Racela clarifies there are no accounts under name of CPP/NPA but freeze order covers related accounts or those opened and maintained for their benefit, “the identification of which the banks and other covered persons will play a very important role.”

Racela: Freeze order issued pursuant to Sec 25 of Anti Terror law, Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act after ATC designated CPP/ NPA as terror org. Provisions intended to preemptively deprive designated terror orgs of resources to prevent possible terror attacks.

Reacting to AMLC’s freeze order, CPP information officer Marco Valbuena on Twitter says CPP/NPA “not stupid to have bank accounts w/c AMLC can freeze.” Says freeze order will be used vs Duterte’s critics, opposition and to suppress rights defenders, unions, other orgs.

AMLC’s notice to freeze, posted on its website, only makes a general reference to CPP/NPA. AMLC’s Racela says “covered persons will freeze related accounts based on their analysis of accounts behavior.” 20-day period for freeze order will start once they freeze accts.

NEW: Communist Party of PH releases statement urging “all democratic forces” to oppose ATC’s terrorist designation of CPP/NPA because of “far-reaching harm” on legal and political rights.

FULL STORY with TeleRadyo report

AMLC orders freezing of property, funds tied to CPP-NPA

news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/28/20/…