The operation leading to the arrest of a woman believed to be a financier of international extremist group Al-Qaeda reinforces the government’s whole-of-nation campaign against violent acts of terrorism.
The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) issued this statement Thursday, Feb. 15, as it welcomed reports that an individual named Myrna Mabanza was captured and would soon face trial for violating the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
”Mabanza’s arrest marks another positive note for the Philippines’ whole-of-nation campaign to address terrorism and terrorism financing that will reflect well on the country’s unyielding efforts to get out of the Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List,” the ATC said in a statement.
The council chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin commended the efforts of all the offices and units involved in the successful operation. The 32-year-old Mabanza was arrested in Brgy. Pasil, Indanan, Sulu.
Law enforcement authorities from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) worked to serve her warrant of arrest.
Mabanza reportedly facilitated the transfer of funds from international financiers to local terrorist leaders including Isnilon Hapilon since 2016. She also allegedly enabled the travel of a representative of Indonesian terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) from Indonesia to the Philippines for a meeting with Hapilon.