Philippines court forfeits funds linked to ISIS financier

A Manila Regional Trial Court has ordered the forfeiture of P217,165.06 held in a bank account belonging to Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar, a Filipino national identified as a terrorist financier. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) stated that the funds were recovered through a civil forfeiture action, which allows the state to seize assets without a prior criminal conviction of the account holder.

Abubakar is listed as a terrorist by the United Nations Security Council and was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States Department of the Treasury. Authorities link him to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS) in the Philippines, noting his role as a financial and logistical facilitator for leader Isnilon Hapilon.

Intelligence reports indicate that Abubakar facilitated fund transfers from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines via relatives of Abu Sayyaf Group members. These funds were reportedly used to procure weapons, ammunition, and materials for improvised explosive devices. The AMLC emphasized that such asset recovery measures are essential for disrupting the ability of terrorist networks to plan and sustain activities.