On January 17, 2025, a significant step was taken in Manila to enhance the fight against terrorism and its financing through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This MOU outlines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to streamline the handling of such cases by key Philippine criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. The event saw participation from notable figures including UNODC Country Manager Danielle Marchessi, Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, and Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla.
The SOPs are a result of a collaborative effort involving the Department of Justice (DOJ), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The initiative received technical support from the UNODC Philippines Program Office, ensuring alignment with international standards, and was financially backed by the Australian Government.
These procedures follow the DOJ Circular No. 20 of 2023, which mandated increased prosecutor involvement in case development, leading to a significant rise in terrorism financing prosecutions. Justice Secretary Remulla reported an increase from two cases before the circular to 237 cases involving 484 subjects by December 2024.
Remulla emphasized the importance of the SOPs in providing a structured approach to investigations and prosecutions, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring human rights are respected. The SOPs are set to be integrated into daily operations through specialized training and workshops.
Special provisions within the SOPs cater to vulnerable groups and witnesses, offering psychological support and confidentiality measures. Remulla highlighted that these procedures not only aid in removing the Philippines from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey list’ but also establish a sustainable framework for combating terrorism and its financing.
Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu praised the collaborative effort, noting Australia’s pride in supporting the development of these SOPs. She stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in improving case quality and justice outcomes while upholding the rule of law and human rights.
UNODC Philippines Country Manager Daniele Marchesi added that the SOPs provide a comprehensive, rights-based framework to address the complex challenges of counterterrorism, reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to a resilient and principled justice system.