DOJ names first terrorist financing convict

The Department of Justice (DOJ) named the first convict under the anti-terrorism financing law.

“A certain Angeline Magdua was convicted for 55 counts of violation of Section 7 of the law, which penalizes being an accessory to the crime of terrorist financing,” the agency said in a statement on Monday, referring to the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

According to the DOJ, Magdua was one of two cashiers of religious group Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP)-Northern Mindanao Region.

It said the group obtained donations from foreign groups to finance the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Citing Emilio Gabales, one of the accused, the DOJ said Magdua was responsible for distributing funds to communist rebels.

On Jan. 9, leaders from human rights group Karapatan, women’s group Gabriela, and RMP were cleared after government lawyers failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the charges against them.

Under the law, those convicted of financing terrorism will serve time from 20 years up to 40 years and a fine of up to ₱1 million.