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Southeast Asia & the Pacific Counter-Terrorism News Bulletin (No. 08-2021)

27 August 2021

This news bulletin is internally shared with colleagues in partner organisations of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (UNODC/ROSEAP). All the news and articles herein are selected and compiled from publicly available sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of UNODC/ROSEAP. Please do not hesitate to send us recommendations on how to improve our service. Likewise, please let us know should you wish to suggest names to be on, or be removed from, the distribution list.
Featured: International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, 21 August 2021
United Nations, 21 August 2021
The UN General Assembly designated August 21 as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism to commemorate and assist the victims of such actions worldwide with the goal of promoting and protecting their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In light of the above, UNODC's Programme Office in Indonesia, in partnership with the Indonesian Witness and Victim Protection Board (LPSK), the Indonesian National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) and the Peace Generation organized an online event in remembrance of the victims of terrorism in Indonesia and globally.

During the event, 2-minutes of silence were observed and remarks were made by UNODC, LPSK and BNPT. Survivors of terrorist attacks also participated in the event and shared their heartbreaking stories. To honour them and other victims of terrorism a symbolic handover of compensation was conducted and a song was tributed to the victims of terrorism by Indonesian musicians.

For more information on the event see media coverage by Antara News here.
 
Featured: Virtual Workshop on Early Responses and Community-Level Interventions to Prevent Violent Radicalisation, Malaysia, 23-24 August 2021
In partnership with the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), UNODC conducted a virtual workshop on "Early Responses and Community-Level Interventions to Prevent Violent Radicalization in Malaysia" from 23-24 August 2021. The two-day online workshop was a continuation of an earlier workshop on "Early Warning: Developing a Malaysian Guide on Violent Radicalisation" workshop which was held in July 2021.

The primary objective of these workshops was to explore and develop an early warning, early response (EWER) mechanism in Malaysia to detect early warning signs of violent radicalisation and carry out whole-of-society interventions, involving government, civil society organizations and community stakeholders.
Participants representing Malaysian government agencies and civil society organizations discussed the development of a hands-on and operationally useful EWER mechanism tailored to the Malaysian context and falling within its broader national plan of action on P/CVE.

These series of workshops are funded by the European Union (EU) under the STRIVE-ASIA programme to support Southeast Asian countries to strengthen their resilience to violent extremism by developing, amongst others, EWER mechanisms.

For more information on the broader EU-funded STRIVE-ASIA programme see:

www.unodc.org/brussels/strive.html
www.un.org/counterterrorism/cct/strive-asia
Featured: Online Consultation on Countering the Financing of Terrorism via Non-Profit Organizations in the Philippines, 5 August 2021
UNODC, in partnership with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) of the Philippines, conducted an online consultation with various Philippine government agencies on "Countering the Financing of Terrorism via Non-Profit Organizations". The UNODC has a long-standing partnership with the AMLC to strengthen the Philippines' AML-CFT framework and capacities, and this meeting further expanded the collaboration to also include this important topic.

The purpose of the consultation was to learn from the Philippines' government on the existing measures in place to protect the non-profit sector from being exploited and abused by money launderers and terrorist financiers and for UNODC to share the latest international standards and good practices in that regard, including human rights and gender dimensions.
The event is part of UNODC's broader regional work on the topic made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada, involving also Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Consultation meetings in those countries were conducted during the first half of 2021.

In the last quarter of 2021, UNODC will conduct follow-up roundtable meetings for the Philippines and the other countries with an aim to identify and agree on concrete interventions and programming to enhance the protection of the sector from ML/TF abuse.

In parallel to these meetings, UNODC is conducting an in-depth research on the extent of the problem in the region, of which the findings and recommendations will be used for the development of a programme for the second phase of the project in 2022.
International & Regional News Stories

After Afghanistan, where next for global jihad?
The Economist, 28 August 2021

What is ISIS-K? Two terrorism experts on the group behind the deadly Kabul airport attack and its rivalry with the Taliban
The Conversation, 27 August 2021

HK student charged with ‘advocating terrorism’ granted bail
FMT, 27 August 2021

Letters | Are the Taliban terrorists? No, but not for the reasons you think
SCMP, 24 August 2021

Opinion: Taliban 2.0: Regional, global impacts
Bangkok Post, 24 August 2021

In Southeast Asia, Kamala Harris’s Message: You Can Count on the U.S.
The New York Times, 24 August 2021

Philippines Military Sees No Risk From Afghan Refugees; Indonesia Worried About Fighters’ Return
Benar News, 23 August 2021

ASEAN on guard for extremism inspired by Taliban's Afghan triumph
Nikkei Asia, 23 August 2021

Selfies, sunglasses and AK-47s: Taliban’s slick victory inspires extremists in south-east Asia
The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 August 2021

Opinion: The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan will be a boon for international jihadism
The Guardian, 21 August 2021

UN to survivors, victims of terrorism: ‘You are not alone’
UN News, 20 August 2021
 
UN Security Council voices concern over IS threat
Xinhua, 20 August 2021
 
ISIS is defeated. What becomes of the ‘Cubs of the Caliphate’ in Iraq?
Atlantic Council, 19 August 2021
 
Afghanistan: Taliban’s return ‘boosts morale’ of militant groups in Southeast Asia
South China Morning Post, 20 August 2021
 
The EU’s new AML framework - overview of the draft legislation
Lexology, 18 August 2021
 
Security experts fear Taliban's gains could inspire radical groups in S-E Asia
The Straits Times, 17 August 2021
 
The Rise of Saifullah: Islamic State’s New Point Man for Southeast Asia?
The Diplomat, 16 August 2021
 
Taliban Return May Revitalize Southeast Asian Terrorist Groups
Benar News, 16 August 2021
 
Terrorism and Islamophobia
The Nation, 10 August 2021
 
India raids banned religious organisation in alleged terrorism funding case
Yahoo News, 8 August 2021
 
What is gender terrorism?
The Week, 5 August 2021
 
UN chief: Threat to global peace from Islamic State rising
ABC News, 4 August 2021
 
Saudi anti-extremism initiative leads the world, says UN expert
Arab News, 4 August 2021
 
A Government Practitioner’s Guide to Countering Online Foreign Covert Influence
Lawfare, 22 July 2021
 
What Does a Taliban Government Mean for the Rest of South Asia?
The Diplomat, 23 July 2021
 
UN Experts: Africa Became Hardest Hit by Terrorism This Year
Voice of America, 24 July 2021
 
UNSC Report: Islamic State Leaders Are Recruiting Taliban Fighters Who Reject Peace Deal
Republic World, 25 July 2021
Important publications:
Thirteenth report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat
UN Doc S/2021/682, 27 July 2021

South-East Asia
36. Da’esh affiliates in South-East Asia continue to disturb counter-terrorism operations with a steady pace of attacks. Women in the region continue to play a role in both the planning and the execution of terrorist acts. A young couple, both supporters of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (QDe.164), attacked a church in Makassar, Indonesia, on Palm Sunday, on 28 March 2021, killing themselves and injuring 20 people. This is the most recent in a series of attacks attributed to Da’esh affiliates in South-East Asia targeting churchgoers.
37. On 20 March 2021, Philippine security forces succeeded in rescuing a group of hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf Group (QDe.001) for approximately one year.  During the intervention, they killed a key leader and tactician of the group who was known for maritime kidnap-for-ransom operations in the region. In April, two of the Group’s members were killed in a clash with Philippine soldiers in Patikul. Nevertheless, despite attrition, it remains resilient; with only approximately 100 fighters, it is estimated to be responsible for 75 per cent of the terror attacks in the region. In February 2021, Philippine security forces arrested nine women on Jolo Island who were reportedly preparing suicide bomb attacks targeted at soldiers. Three of those women are the daughters of the late Group leader, Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who had planned the attack carried out against the Jolo cathedral in January 2019.
Second 12-Month Review of Revised FATF Standards on Virtual Assets and VASPs (PDF)
FATF, July 2021

The FATF has completed a second 12-month review of the implementation of its revised Standards on virtual assets and virtual asset service providers. This comes two years after the FATF finalized amendments, which clearly placed anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) requirements on virtual assets and virtual asset service providers (VASPs).

Going forward, all jurisdictions need to implement the revised FATF Standards, including travel rule requirements, as quickly as possible. The FATF will undertake the following actions focused on virtual assets and VASPs.

Indonesia

Indonesia ramps up anti-terror crackdown as Muslim nations condemn Kabul attacks
Sydney Morning Herald, 27 August 2021

South Korea and Indonesia deepen their defense and security ties beyond KF-21 Boramae
Aviaci, 25 August 2021

What Does the Taliban Takeover Mean for Violent Extremism in Indonesia?
The Diplomat, 23 August 2021

Women's role essential to counter extremism: Alissa Wahid
Antara News, 23 August 2021

Densus 88 Arrests 4 Terrorist Suspects in Banten and West Java
Tempo, 22 August 2021
 
Bali-bombing terror group planned fresh attack during independence day: police
The Jakarta Post, 21 August 2021
 
Expert urges Indonesians to not become divided over Afghan conflict
Antara News, 21 August 2021

Committed to securing terror victim rights, compensation: LPSK
Antara News, 21 August 2021

Owners Of Lebanese Ship Seized By Pirates Protest At Indonesian Embassy
The 961, 20 August 2021

Indonesia: Police Seize Terror-Financing Charity Boxes
Eurasia Review, 19 August 2021
 
Indonesian Police Catch 48 Suspected Islamic Militants in Nationwide Dragnet
Benar News, 16 August 2021
 
Official cautions of terrorism amid COVID-19 pandemic
Antara News, 16 August 2021
 
Indonesia arrests 37 terror suspects
Vietnam Plus, 15 August 2021
 
Indonesia ‘deeply concerned’ by Afghanistan violence
The Jakarta Post, 13 August 2021
 
The detriments of Papua separatist campaigns
The Jakarta Post, 12 August 2021
 
Article: The Pro-Al Qaeda Indonesian Connection with HTS in Syria: Security Implications
Middle East Institute, 10 August 2021

The far right’s new-old war on women
The Jakarta Post, 6 August 2021
 
Australia trained Indonesian police officer accused of West Papua violence
The Guardian, 2 August 2021

Indonesia Sacks 2 Air Force Commanders after Servicemen Rough up Deaf Papuan
Benar News, 28 July 2021
 
Need global cooperation against bioterrorism: Vice Admiral Octavian
Antara News, 28 July 2021
 
The pattern of racism prevalent in Indonesia
Stocknews World, 28 July 2021
 
Adriana Elisabeth on the Conflict in West Papua
The Diplomat, 27 July 2021
 
Indonesian Forces Arrest Papuan Rebel Who Escaped from Prison in 2016
Benar News, 23 July 2021
 
Indonesia, United States Extend Counterterrorism Partnership
English Tempo, 23 July 2021
The Philippines

Opinion: Charting our future together: Australia-Philippine relations
Philippine Star, 26 August 2021

Army clashes with Maute group anew in Lanao del Norte
UNTV, 26 August 2021

10 more BIFF extremists yield in Maguindanao
Philippine News Agency, 25 August 2021

Philippines’ Duterte to run for vice president in 2022
Arab News, 25 August 2021

CHR reiterates plea to SC: ‘Nullify Anti-Terrorism Act’
Manila Bulletin, 25 August 2021

Indigenous Women In the Philippines Fight For Their Rights
Organization for World Peace, 25 August 2021

Charges filed vs Joma, 3 NPA commanders for recruitment, abuse of minor
Manila Bulletin, 24 August 2021

Filipino mother, daughter escape Afghanistan after Taliban takeover
ABS-CBN, 23 August 2021

AFP needs to stay vigilant vs. local terrorist groups
Philippine News Agency, 23 August 2021

AFP confident of Mindanao security amid Taliban takeover of Afghanistan
GMA News, 23 August 2021

Miners warned against supporting NPA rebels
Manila Times, 22 August 2021

Bill to help PH get out of 'grey list'
The Manila Times, 21 August 2021

Taliban takeover in Afghanistan to affect anti-terror efforts – expert
The Manila Times, 20 August 2021
 
PNP securing Mindanao from Afghan 'tension spillover'
CNN Philippines, 18 August 2021
 
PH ready to accept refugees from Afghanistan
Manila Bulletin, 17 August 2021
 
Consumers bear brunt of terrorist financing: NICA exec
Philippine News Agency, 16 Aug 2021
 
Four Abu Sayyaf bandits yield in Sulu
Sun Star Zamboanga, 15 August 2021
 
26 former terrorists finish entrepreneurship training
Philippine Star, 13 Aug 2021
 
Local terrorism, plague that worsens pandemic: Medialdea
Philippine News Agency, 12 August 2021
 
BSP beefs up AMLC workforce
Manila Bulletin, 9 August 2021
 
‘COVID not only threat’: Esperon defends P19B funds for anti-insurgency body
ABS CBN News, 9 August 2021
 
AMLC tags 18 foreign NGOs as CPP-NPA-NDF donors
Philippine News Agency, 6 August 2021
 
New military chief of staff hopes to finish off NPA before 2021 ends
Manila Bulletin, 5 August 2021
 
Court rejects appeal to overturn acquittal of Aeta farmers in anti-terror case
Philippine Star, 5 August 2021
 
AFP confident of Mindanao security amid Taliban takeover of Afghanistan
GMA News Online, 3 August 2021
 
Former members of terror group join BARMM search and rescue unit
Philippine Star, 3 August 2021
 
Police arrest Aby Sayyaf mole in Sulu PNP
Rappler, 2 August 2021
 
New AFP Chief wants stronger military defense posture to protect PH terrotiry
Manila Bulletin, 31 July 2021
 
AMLC issues delisting, unfreezing regulations
Business World, 30 July 2021
 
Human rights under Duterte so far: ‘Killings, threats, and a terror law’
Philippine Star, 26 July 2021
 
16 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender
Philippine Star, 26 July 2021
Thailand

Foodpanda is facing a brand crisis in Thailand, but delivery riders bear the brunt
KrAsia, 27 August 2021

Soldier injured by pipe bomb in Yala
Thaiger, 24 August 2021

Defence volunteer shot dead after football
Bangkok Post, 23 August 2021
 
The woman on a mission to expose torture in Thailand’s troubled south
The Guardian, 17 August 2021
 
Two injured by bomb, one loses leg
Bangkok Post, 9 August 2021
 
Insurgents attack military base, ranger killed, 4 wounded
Bangkok Post, 3 August 2021
 
Volunteer ranger killed in grenade attack by suspected insurgents
Thaiger, 3 August 2021
 
Rebels Attack Thai Military Outpost on Malaysian Border
Benar News, 3 August 2021
Malaysia

Non-Fungible Tokens in Malaysia - Are they legal?
Lexology, 26 August 2021

Letter: Taliban now good guys? - a response to Hadi Awang
Malaysiakini, 26 August 2021

How UMNO's PN2.0 Has Re-Branded Malaysia
Sarawak Report, 25 August 2021

Letters: Malaysia needs extraordinary foreign policy
The Star, 24 August 2021

Ahmad Maslan pleads not guilty to charges of failing to declare RM2m to IRB
Malay Mail, 24 August 2021

Bukit Aman: Another GOF battalion needed in Sarawak
Malay Mail, 21 August 2021

Sabri poised to become Malaysia PM
Daily Star/Reuters, 20 August 2021

Hajiji: US a trusted ally to Sabah and Malaysia
The Star, 18 August 2021

Letter: A thousand times over
Malaysiakini, 16 August 2021

The shape of an evolving New Malaysia
New Straits Times, 12 August 2021

Malaysian ex-minister Syed Saddiq charged with money laundering
Straits Times, 5 August 2021

Migrants in Malaysia: Over 11,500 returned since Nov
Daily Star, 5 August 2021

Malaysians stage anti-govt protest despite Covid curbs
The Daily Star / AFP, 31 July 2021

Malaysia takes aim at Binance chief executive as global crackdown escalates
Financial Times, 30 July 2021
Singapore

Forum: Everyone has a role in combating terrorism
Straits Times, 27 August 2021

‘Foreign interference doesn’t work’: Singapore’s foreign minister weighs in on Afghanistan crisis
CNBC, 26 August 2021

S'pore offers tanker aircraft to US to help evacuate Afghan refugees
The Straits Times, 24 August 2021

Singapore PM Lee backs US as ‘guarantor’ of security in Asia as Harris grilled over Afghanistan chaos
South China Morning Post, 23 August 2021
 
Singapore navy joins exercise to boost regional security against terrorism, piracy
The Straits Times, 20 August 2021
 
Singapore regulator to grant first crypto service licence
International Investment, 13 August 2021
 
Schools conduct emergency drills at least twice a year, says MOE after 'Run-Hide-Tell' used in RVHS incident
Channel News Asia, 6 August 2021
 
SAF conducts counter-terrorism exercise at F1 Pit Building in Marina Bay
The Straits Times, 3 August 2021
 
S'pore's ethnic harmony made possible because majority knew what was at stake: Shanmugam
The Straits Times, 24 July 2021
Myanmar

Yangon woman who provided oxygen concentrators for free arrested as ‘terrorist’
Myanmar Now, 20 August 2021
 
Police ‘ready’ to investigate Thailand arms dealer in plot to kill Myanmar UN envoy
The Thaiger, 10 August 2021
 
Security forces seize huge cache of arms & ammunition from near Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur
Economic Times, 10 August 2021
 
New ASEAN Envoy to Myanmar Pledges to Meet With Opposition, Detained Activists
The Diplomat, 10 August 2021
 
What Will the ASEAN Envoy Be Allowed to Achieve in Myanmar?
Irrawaddy, 9 August 2021
 
Anti-military protests in Myanmar on anniversary of 1988 uprising
Yahoo News, 8 August 2021
 
Prospects for a people’s war in Myanmar
Asia Times, 6 August 2021

Head of Myanmar military declares himself prime minister
The World, 2 August 2021

Myanmar: State of emergency extended with coup leader as PM
BBC News, 1 August 2021
 
Six months after Myanmar coup, battle for diplomatic recognition
Aljazeera, 1 August 2021
 
Myanmar Insurgency Matures as Fighting Against the Tatmadaw Intensifies
Jamestown Foundation, 30 July 2021
 
Myanmar militia hunts for bodies after clash with army – media
Reuters, 30 July 2021
 
‘I believe in democracy, that shouldn’t be a crime’ — Myanmar refugees hope for junta’s fall
The Print, 28 July 2021
 
Political Detainees Stage Loud Protests at Myanmar Prisons
The Irrawaddy, 23 July 2021
 
Protest breaks out at prison in Myanmar's biggest city
Reuters, 24 July 2021
Cambodia

Gov’t asks Thailand to ban ex-CNRP activists from using social media
Khmer Times, 25 August 2021

MAFF, CFIU to exchange information on Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
Khmer Times, 14 August 2021
 
MoU signed to combat criminal activity funded by agriculture
Khmer Times, 13 August 2021
 
Cambodians share views on US withdrawal from Afghanistan
Khmer Times, 23 July 2021
Viet Nam

Vice President Harris Is In Vietnam, The Last Stop On Her Southeast Asia Trip
NPR, 25 August 2021

Vietnam highlights need to avoid negative impacts of counter-terrorism measures on humanitarian activities
Vietnam Plus, 12 August 2021
 
Vietnam backs adding gender issues into anti-terrorism
Vietnam Plus, 29 July 2021
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