Indigenous Leaders Appeal Terrorist Designation and Asset Freezes in Philippines

Four indigenous rights defenders and leaders of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance appealed to the Court of Appeals in Manila on September 24, 2026. They are challenging their designation as "terrorist individuals" under the Anti-Terrorism Law. The appeal seeks to declare a section of the law unconstitutional, annul the designation, and lift the asset freeze order placed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council. This freeze order, which affects the activists, their families, and the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, was put in place following a designation order from June 7, 2023.

The legal action directly challenges the regulatory authority of the Anti-Money Laundering Council regarding asset freezes. Furthermore, the case tests the constitutionality of the Philippines' anti-terrorism law and the application of executive power within the country.