Caraga region convenes specialized task force to tackle money laudering, terrorism financing cases
BUTUAN CITY – The members of the Caraga Regional Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing (CRAMLATF) Task Force officially convened on March 27-28, marking a significant step forward in the region’s commitment to combatting money laundering and terrorism financing. The CRAMLATF Task Force was constituted through Regional Order No. 25-13, pursuant to DOJ Department Circular No. 030, series of 2024.
The task force is led by the Regional Prosecutor John S. Magdaraog and includes the city and provincial prosecutors of the region, as well as prosecutors from Special Commercial Courts. All members have undergone specialized training to handle money laundering and terrorism financing cases, ensuring they are equipped to tackle these complex issues.
The convening was attended by a keynote address delivered by Atty. Erano Dumale, deputy director of the Financial Crimes Investigation Group II, Investigation and Enforcement Department of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). Atty. Dumale’s remarks highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in strengthening the nation’s fight against financial crimes and terrorism financing.
The CRAMLATF Task Force has been tasked with coordinating efforts with key regional law enforcement agencies, including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The collaboration among these agencies is crucial in implementing comprehensive strategies to combat illicit financial activities.
Following the convening, the Task Force members, along with representatives from the coordinating agencies, participated in a two-day Financial Investigation Course. The training was made possible through the generous support of the DOJ Caraga development partner, Hanns Seidel Foundation Philippines. The course was coordinated by Caroline Lee, program coordinator of the Foundation, and aimed to enhance the participants’ investigative skills in handling financial crimes.
The establishment of the CRAMLATF Task Force underscores the region’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and supporting national efforts in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. (DOJ Caraga/ PIA Caraga)
