September 6, 2023
Dear Ms. Baga-an,
Thank you for your request dated Aug 23, 2023 under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch.
We understand that you would like us to confirm whether you are required to provide an Anti-Terrorist Certificate or to alternatively pay PhP15,000 to facilitate the release of your package from abroad.
The AMLC, as the central anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) authority of the Philippines, primarily functions as a financial intelligence unit, money laundering/terrorism financing investigator and prosecutor, as well as an AML/CTF supervisor, in accordance with Republic Act No. 9160, otherwise known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended, and its 2018 Implementing Rules and Regulations. It has no mandate to act as a "clearing house" for any kind of financial transactions nor does it issue certifications and clearances for fund transfers and/or releases of goods and monies.
For your reference, we refer you to the Public Advisory on Scammers dated 06 March 2023 issued by the AMLC at its official website:
"The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reminds the public to be careful and circumspect. Scammers or fraudsters are prevalent and often pretend to be AMLC personnel, officers or representatives.
The AMLC does not issue certificates, clearances, release orders, guarantee letters, or any similar documents for a person or company to be able to release or receive money, prizes, parcels, or balikbayan boxes whether inside or outside the Philippines. The AMLC also does not offer or conduct raffles or contests. It does not solicit personal and financial information, nor demand payment or donation from anyone in exchange of financial or material benefits from the government or the private sector.
All victims are advised to go to the nearest Philippine National Police or National Bureau of Investigation station to seek their assistance in tracking down or apprehending the culprits. They may also file a complaint or report on-line through the website of the aforementioned law enforcement agencies"
Thus, we confirm that the AMLC does not issue an Anti-Terrorist Certificate or to alternatively require the payment of PhP15,000 to facilitate the release of your package from abroad.
Further, should you be a victim of fraud or other illegal activity, we advise that you report the matter to the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group at
[email protected] or the National Bureau of Investigation-Cybercrime Division at
[email protected] to seek their assistance in tracking down or apprehending the culprits.
Please be guided accordingly.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
FOI Decision Maker
