Western Visayas Launches Multi-Agency Task Force to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism
In a significant move to bolster regional security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies in Western Visayas convened at Madia-as Hall in Camp General Martin Teofilo B. Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City, on March 23, 2026, to activate a new multi-agency Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Task Force. This initiative aims to intensify efforts against financial crimes through enhanced coordination and intelligence sharing.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration
The task force, established under Department Memorandum Circular 30 issued by the Department of Justice, seeks to tighten inter-agency collaboration to address complex threats linked to illicit financial activities. Officials emphasized that a unified approach is essential for effectively countering these challenges, which undermine both economic stability and national security.
During the launch, agency heads reaffirmed their commitment to a National Government strategy, highlighting that “money laundering and terrorism financing not only undermine economic stability but also pose serious risks to national security.” They noted that stronger coordination will facilitate faster intelligence exchange and more effective prosecution of offenders.
Composition and Objectives of the Task Force
The newly activated body is composed of representatives from multiple key agencies, including:
- Department of Justice – Office of the Regional Prosecutor 6
- National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica 6)
- Police Regional Office (PRO 6)
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI 6)
- 3rd Infantry Division (3ID)
- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea 6)
- Bureau of Customs (BOC 6)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC 6)
The task force expects to prioritize intelligence-driven operations, financial investigations, and the filing of cases against individuals involved in illegal financial activities. It will also intensify monitoring of suspicious transactions and strengthen enforcement of existing regulatory measures.
Aligning with National and International Standards
Authorities stated that this initiative aligns regional efforts with national and international standards to ensure Western Visayas remains vigilant against threats exploiting the financial system. The activation marks a significant step in reinforcing regional security frameworks, with agencies working collectively to disrupt financial networks linked to criminal activities while safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.
This coordinated approach is designed to enhance the region's capacity to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, ultimately contributing to broader security and economic stability in the area.
