MANILA, Philippines – The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated 19 alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorists in a resolution it published in local papers Thursday.
Under Resolution No. 17 dated April 21, the ATC listed as terrorist CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, and 18 other alleged high-ranking members of CPP’s Central Committee.
“The Central Committee is the highest decision- and policy-making body of the CPP and also leads and commands the NPA, its main weapon in attaining the party’s goal of overthrowing the duly elected government by seizing and consolidating political powers through violent means,” the council said in a news release.
The resolution was signed by ATC officials, including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
In a separate resolution, ten members of different local terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the Daulah Islamiyah have also been designated as terrorists.
These individuals are accused of conspiring, planning, and preparing for the commission of terrorism, covered by Sections 6, 7, and 10 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Under Section 25 of the Anti-Terrorism Law, the ATC has the authority to designate individuals, groups of individuals, organizations, or associations as terrorists without a court hearing.
This will allow the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze the assets of designated personalities or organizations.
Individuals tagged as terrorists have 15 days to file a request for delisting.
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