Government agencies, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ), came out with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for "precise and coordinated efforts" in the handling of terrorism and terrorism financing cases. 

“The evolving nature of terrorism requires adaptable strategies,” declared Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla during the signing ceremony at of the memorandum of agreement (MOU) on SOPs at the DOJ.

“The SOPs provide clear guidance to ensure swift and coordinated actions against terrorism enablers, leading to more successful prosecutions and increased public confidence in our justice system,” Remulla said. 

The MOU "formalizes the Department of Justice’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for terrorism and terrorism financing cases, and the initiative reinforces our commitment to addressing these threats through precise and coordinated actions,” he also said. 

Apart from Remulla, the MOU was signed by representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

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 creation of the SOPs.

Remulla said: "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 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Australia exemplifies how global solidarity can amplify our capacity to dismantle these networks."

By aligning the SOPs with international standards, Remulla said “we ensure the Philippines 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,” he stressed.

In a statement, the DOJ explained that the SOPs provide “clear, actionable guidelines for case build-up, evidence handling, and inter-agency coordination.”

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

“Key guardrails 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,” it also said.  

 For cases involving vulnerable groups or witnesses, the DOJ said “the SOPs introduce additional protections, such as access to psychological support and confidentiality measures.”

“The SOPs not only address the Philippines' efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 'grey list' but also aim to build a sustainable framework for combating terrorism and terrorism financing,” it said.  

“This framework emphasizes coordination, accountability, and respect for human rights,” it added.