Casinos in focus as Philippine police back AML drive
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is supporting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to craft a new national strategy against money laundering and terrorism financing. The agency said that casinos and other high-risk sectors are set to face heightened scrutiny.
The Philippines is working to safeguard its standing with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The country was removed from the watchdog’s grey list in February 2025, and authorities are keen to avoid a return. Another FATF evaluation is set later this year.
Marcos, in a memorandum, ordered government agencies to assist in drafting the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism/Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) for 2026–2030. The country’s Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has been tasked with providing technical and administrative support.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force stands firmly behind the initiative.
“We are ready to integrate our investigative powers with the AMLC in running after organised crime groups and syndicates, especially those involved in illegal drugs, smuggling and cybercrimes,” Nartatez said in a statement.
Casinos flagged as high-risk sector
As part of the enhanced enforcement framework, casinos, real estate, and import/export businesses have been identified as high-risk sectors that will be closely monitored.
Nartatez confirmed that the PNP will intensify inter-agency coordination, including data sharing and joint operations, to bolster the national campaign against so-called “dirty money”. The gaming industry has long considered vulnerable to money laundering risks due to high cash volumes and cross-border transactions.
This move follows a broader clean-up of the gaming sector over the past year, including the shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and stricter oversight of junket operators. These measures were widely viewed as instrumental in improving the country’s standing with the FATF.
Technology and training upgrades
Beyond sector-specific monitoring, the PNP said it is upgrading its digital infrastructure and analytics capabilities to better detect suspicious financial transactions, including cross-border financial movements.
Nartatez said the police organisation would enhance its use of technology and data analytics tools to identify patterns linked to organised crime groups and illicit financial networks. This includes improved systems for cross-border alerts and suspicious transaction monitoring.
Officers from the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, along with other concerned units, are undergoing specialised training in financial forensics, money laundering trends and emerging financial crimes. The agency said the objective is to equip investigators with the technical skills required to follow complex financial trails, particularly those that intersect with digital platforms and online gaming environments.
Whole-of-government approach
The forthcoming NACS 2026–2030 strategy aims to provide a comprehensive, multi-agency roadmap for combating money laundering and terrorism financing over the next five years.
Under the memorandum, the AMLC will coordinate the drafting process, issue timelines, and monitor compliance among government instrumentalities. The strategy is expected to align law enforcement, financial regulators, and other agencies under a unified framework.
Nartatez said the PNP would actively participate in the drafting process and strengthen collaboration with both domestic and international counterparts. International cooperation will play a critical role in tracking illicit funds entering or leaving the Philippines, particularly in cases involving transnational crime syndicates.
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