Government rolls out SOP on terrorism cases

MANILA, Philippines — Government agencies, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ), rolled out the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the handling of terrorism and terrorism financing cases.

Agencies signed a memorandum of understanding in implementing the SOPs, which provide “clear guidance to ensure swift and coordinated actions against terrorism enablers.”

The Australian government and a United Nations office helped draft the MOU.

“The evolving nature of terrorism requires adaptable strategies,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said during the signing ceremony at the DOJ yesterday.

The MOU formalizes the SOPs and “reinforces the government’s commitment to addressing these threats through precise and coordinated actions,” Remulla added.

Remulla signed the MOU along with representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Philippine National Police, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Coast Guard.

The MOU was also signed by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Philippines country manager Daniele Marchesi and Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, who both supported and provided technical expertise during the formulation of the SOPs.

“No single nation can combat terrorism alone. The transnational nature of terrorism financing necessitates building stronger alliances, deepening partnerships and supporting one another in this shared mission. Our collaboration with the (UNODC) and the government of Australia exemplifies how global solidarity can amplify our capacity to dismantle these networks,” Remulla said.

He said that by aligning the country’s SOPs with international standards, the government ensures that the country plays a significant role in the global fight against terrorism.

“Through mutual legal assistance, intelligence-sharing and cross-border investigations, we strengthen our collective ability to disrupt financial flows that enable acts of terror,” the DOJ chief said.

According to the DOJ, the SOPs provide guidelines for case build-up, evidence handling and inter-agency coordination.

These aim to strengthen the handling of complex cases while safeguarding human rights, including due process protections, it said.

Key provisions include strict adherence to rights against unlawful detention, personal data protection in line with international privacy standards and mechanisms to prevent coercion or the use of evidence obtained through torture.