Terrorism Financing Case Filed Against NGO Members

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Officials from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 and the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division confirmed that a case for terrorism financing has been filed in court against four members and a supporter of a Negros Occidental-based non-governmental organization.

Colonel Erwin Lamzon, assistant division commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Colonel Gilbert Gorero, chief of PRO-6 Regional Operations Division, disclosed the development during a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

The case involves alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10168, or “The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012,” with six informations filed months ago against Clarissa Ramos, Felipe Levy Gelle, Federico Salvilla, Perla Pavillar, and Darryl Albañez.

The first four respondents are members of the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) Inc., while Albañez is described as a collaborator in the group’s activities.

Police Master Sergeant Francisco John Dumdumaya, a deputized Anti-Money Laundering Council Financial Investigator and member of the PRO-6 Regional Intelligence Division, filed the case. He based it on the sworn statement of a witness claiming to be a finance and logistics officer for the “Tahod Ilahas Command of the CPP-NPA.”

The witness alleged the NGO conducted financial transactions with the New People’s Army (NPA).

Gorero revealed this is the second case filed in Western Visayas against alleged CPP-NPA supporters for terrorism financing.

The first case resulted in the conviction of a 35-year-old supporter from Tapaz, Capiz, for violating Section 6 of RA 10168. The 6th Regional Trial Court, Branch 12, handed down the guilty verdict on Sept. 2, 2024.

Section 6 defines an accomplice as someone who assists in the crime of terrorism financing without being a primary perpetrator, receiving a lesser penalty than the principal offender.

PRO-6 Director Brigadier General Jack Wanky emphasized that all cases underwent proper preliminary investigation before the Department of Justice, ensuring due process.

“Terrorism financing remains the most utilized strategy by the CPP-NDF-NPA to destabilize the democratic government of the Philippines,” Wanky said.

He claimed the funds generated through such activities are used for arms, ammunition, explosives, propaganda materials, safehouses, and other operational needs.

“Terrorism financing is the lifeblood of the CPP-NDF-NPA. By cutting off their funds and prosecuting those responsible, we aim to end this threat,” Wanky added.

He urged the public to recognize terrorism financing as a crime against humanity, enabling violence and chaos, and likened it to illegal acts by criminal syndicates, including extortion, money laundering, fraudulent fundraising, and electoral sabotage.

Meanwhile, Lamzon underscored the challenge of educating the public on how local terrorism operates.

He affirmed the Philippine Army’s commitment to ending the decades-long insurgency through the whole-of-the-nation approach.