(Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday, Feb. 20, expressed full support for President Marcos Jr.’s directed for government agencies to craft a national strategy to combat money laundering and terrorism financing as part of the administration’s intensified campaign against financial crimes.
PNP Chief, Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the police organization is ready to integrate its investigative powers with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to ensure that “dirty money has no place to hide.”
“The Philippine National Police is fully committed to President Marcos’ directive. We are ready to integrate our investigative powers with AMLC in running after organized crime groups and syndicates, especially those involved in illegal drugs, smuggling, and cybercrimes,” he said.
Earlier, Marcos ordered government agencies to support the drafting of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism/Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) for 2026–2030 under Memorandum Circular 113.
The directive tasks the AMLC to provide technical and administrative support, issue timelines, and monitor compliance of concerned government agencies and instrumentalities in drafting the NACS.
Nartatez emphasized that the PNP will enhance inter-agency cooperation, share data, and participate in joint operations to strengthen the national effort.
He added that the police force is also upgrading its digital infrastructure, technologies, and data analytics tools to detect suspicious financial transactions, including cross-border alerts.
Meanwhile, officers from the Anti-Cybercrime Group, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and other concerned units are undergoing specialized training in financial forensics, money laundering trends, and emerging financial crimes.
The PNP chief stressed that high-risk sectors such as real estate, casinos, and import/export businesses will also be closely monitored to deter such crimes.
Further, he said international cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies will also be strengthened to track illicit funds entering or leaving the Philippines.