MANILA — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) successfully secured the legal forfeiture of nearly ₱220,000 in bank funds tied to terrorism financing, following a favorable ruling by a Manila court.
In an official statement released on October 19, the AMLC announced that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila, Branch 18, ordered the assets—previously held in an account under the name of Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar—forfeited in favor of the government.
Authorities placed Abubakar under scrutiny following intelligence reports indicating he funneled money from Saudi Arabia into the Philippines via the relatives and spouses of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members. These findings triggered a comprehensive financial investigation under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
Furthermore, international bodies and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 designated Abubakar as a terrorist for operating as a key facilitator for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Global intelligence previously linked him to the transfer of $50,000 to late ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon—who later commanded the Islamic State in Southeast Asia—to purchase firearms and ammunition. Investigators also connected him to efforts to source materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The AMLC emphasized that the successful asset recovery underscores the vital importance of financial intelligence in cutting off terrorist networks from vital funding streams and banking systems. The council reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing similar legal actions and financial probes against illicit assets in compliance with local laws and international mandates.