AMLC secures forfeiture of Abu Sayyaf-linked funds

MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured a court order forfeiting P217,165 in funds belonging to a man linked to financing the Abu Sayyaf group, as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt financial networks supporting terrorist organizations.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 ordered the forfeiture of funds in a bank account under Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar.

Abubakar allegedly facilitated money transfers from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines through the wives and relatives of Abu Sayyaf members.

“By depriving terrorist facilitators of access to funds and financial services, authorities can impede their ability to plan, support and sustain terrorist activities,” the AMLC said.

Abubakar was designated as a terrorist under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 for acting as facilitator for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.

International authorities identified him as a key facilitator in the transfer of $50,000 to former Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who became the recognized leader of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia.

The fund was believed to have been used to purchase weapons, ammunition and materials for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.