Court Clears Leyte Humanitarian Worker in Terrorism Financing Case

Posted on Mar. 8, 2026 at 10:18 pm

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — The regional trial court here has dismissed a terrorism financing case against Leyte-based development worker, Jazmin “Minet” Aguisanda-Jerusalem, citing a violation of due process in how the charges were filed. The court ruled that the initial stages of her prosecution failed to meet legal standards.

The court, presided over by Judge Georgina Uy Perez, ruled on February 27, 2026, that the prosecutors failed to properly publish the foreign or supranational designation used as the basis for the charges, violating due process and leading to the case dismissal.

Aguisanda-Jerusalem faced three counts of terrorism financing under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, accused of providing financial support to the New People’s Army (NPA) by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). The case relied on testimonies from rebel returnees, which Aguisanda-Jerusalem and her legal team claimed were fabricated.

Represented by the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), Aguisanda-Jerusalem’s defense highlighted legal deficiencies in the case, pointing out the absence of an essential element of the alleged crime.

The court also rejected an Asset Preservation Order against her and the Leyte Center for Development (LCDe) in February 2026, a significant step in lifting financial restrictions imposed during the investigation.

The case had a significant impact on LCDe, a humanitarian organization known for disaster-preparedness initiatives and community projects in Eastern Visayas.

Despite the legal challenges, Aguisanda-Jerusalem, recognized for her humanitarian work in the region, remains committed to community development efforts.

Civil society groups continue to support organizations like LCDe, facing scrutiny and accusations of “red-tagging.”

(Photo courtesy: Minet Aguisanda-Jerusalem)