Anti-money laundering task force launched in Western Visayas

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A multi-agency Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Task Force was formally activated on March 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Madia-as Hall, Camp General Martin Teofilo B. Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City, strengthening the regional campaign against financial crimes in Western Visayas.

The initiative brings together key law enforcement and intelligence units across the region in line with Department Memorandum Circular No. 030 issued by the Department of Justice, which mandates closer coordination among agencies to combat money laundering and terrorism financing across the country.

The newly formed task force is composed of representatives from the Department of Justice – Office of the Regional Prosecutor 6 (DOJ-ORP6), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA6), Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI6), 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army (3ID, PA), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA6), Bureau of Customs (BOC6), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC6), along with other partner law enforcement agencies.

The task force aims to enhance inter-agency coordination, strengthen intelligence sharing and case build-up, and intensify operations against individuals and groups involved in money laundering and terrorism financing.

During the launch, agency heads and representatives reaffirmed their commitment to a whole-of-government approach, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing evolving financial threats. They highlighted that money laundering and terrorism financing not only undermine economic stability but also pose serious risks to national security.

The task force is expected to focus on intelligence-driven operations, financial investigations, and the prosecution of offenders, while also intensifying monitoring of suspicious transactions and strengthening regulatory enforcement.

Authorities underscored that the initiative will further align regional efforts with national and international standards in combating financial crimes, ensuring that Western Visayas remains vigilant and resilient against threats that exploit the financial system.

The Philippines has been working to strengthen its anti-money laundering framework following its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in June 2023.

The country’s Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended by Republic Act No. 11521, expanded the coverage of predicate offenses and enhanced penalties to align with international standards on combating money laundering and terrorism financing.