BSP Circular Letter

June 2, 2005 BSP CIRCULAR LETTER TO : All Banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions Under BSP Supervision Pursuant to its Resolution No. 54 (Series of 2005) dated 25 May 2005, copy attached, the Anti-Money Laundering Council requests your cooperation to provide the United States Government with information on the financial assets of IBRAHIM BUISIR (Buisir). Mr. Ibrahim Buisir has been designated by the United States Government as Specially Designated Global Terrorist based on evidence of its support for Al Qaida, Al-Ittihad Islamiyya and Hamas. He directed a European Al Qaida cell that provided support to its operations in Europe by arranging travel and accommodations. Additional information also showed that Buisir was connected to Abdul Rahman Snow, a Germany-based Al Qaida member and supported the Al Qaida-affiliated Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) in Europe by providing logistical assistance, including travel arrangements, false identity papers and other documentation to young Libyans, Moroccans and Algerians who wanted to undergo military training in Afghanistan. In accordance with Sections 7 and 9 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, as amended by Rule 9.3 of its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations, you are hereby directed to submit directly to the Council reports of covered or suspicious transactions, if any, involving Mr. Ibrahim Buisir. CIHTac For your guidance and strict compliance. (SGD.) R. P. LIRIO Sector-in-Charge RESOLUTION NO. 54-05 WHEREAS, on 13 April 2005, the Government of the United States, through its Embassy in Manila, sent a letter dated 12 April 2005 addressed to Hon. Rafael B. Buenaventura, Governor, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, regarding its request for information on the financial assets of Ibrahim Buisir (Buisir) and to freeze the same should any be found. WHEREAS, the Government of the United States designated Buisir pursuant to U.S. Executive Order 13224 along with all offices of the Islamic African Relief Agency (IARA) a.k.a. Islamic Relief Agency (ISRA), throughout the world and four other senior IARA officials as Specially Designated Global Terrorist based on evidence of its support for Al Qaida, Al-Ittihad Islamiyya and Hamas. WHEREAS, information available to the US shows that Buisir directed a European Al Qaida cell that provided support to operations in Europe by arranging travel and accommodations. This cell was also connected to Al Qaida members in Australia. EACIaT WHEREAS, additional information shows that Buisir was connected to Abdul Rahman Snow, a Germany-based Al Qaida member who transited Spain in early 2004. Buisir claims to be a supporter of the Al Qaida-affiliated Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) in Europe, providing logistical assistance, including travel arrangements, false identity papers, and other documentation to young Libyans, Moroccans and Algerians who wanted to undergo military training in Afghanistan. WHEREAS, on 26 November 2004, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) issued Resolution No. 446 requiring the Supervising Authorities to disseminate among all covered institutions under their respective jurisdictions copy of the Resolution and to direct the covered institutions to submit directly to the Council reports of covered or suspicious transactions, if any, involving the Islamic African Relief Agency (IARA) and four other senior officers of IARA. WHEREAS, the said resolution was prompted by the request of the Government of the United States, through its Embassy in Manila. For purposes of brevity, the declarations of the AMLC in Resolution No. 446 dated 26 November 2004 are hereby deemed reproduced and incorporated in this resolution. WHEREAS, the provisions of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1373 require UN member states to freeze terrorist assets without delay and to prohibit their nationals or persons in their territories from financing terrorism. As a charter member of the United Nations and as part of the international coalition against terrorism, the Philippines, through the Anti-Money Laundering Council, must actively support the actions required under the subject UNSC Resolutions. SEHDIC WHEREFORE, pursuant thereto, the Council unanimously resolves to require the Supervising Authorities, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Insurance Commission to circularize among all covered institutions under their respective jurisdictions, copy of this Resolution and to direct the covered institutions to submit directly to the Council reports of covered or suspicious transactions, if any, involving Ibrahim Buisir in accordance with Sections 7 and 9 of the AMLA, as amended and Rule 9.3 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations and other related or applicable rules, regulations, circulars and operating manuals promulgated by the Supervising Authorities. 25 May 2005, Manila, Philippines. (SGD.) AMANDO M. TETANGCO, JR. Acting Chairman (Officer-In-Charge, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) (SGD.) FE B. BARIN Member (Chairperson, Securities and Exchange Commission) (SGD.) BENJAMIN S. SANTOS Member (Commissioner, Insurance Commission)