Description
In the year 2017, during the escalating Maute siege in Marawi, I found myself deeply involved in several critical missions in some areas in Mindanao. As part of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), our team was tasked with securing vital areas and ensuring the safety of civilians. During this period, I also served as the legal officer overseeing some significant operations, that is, the arrest, capture and subsequent filing of cases of some suspected Maute Members and the search and seizure of money suspected to be used in financing terrorism.
On the operation of search and seizure of funds, a pivotal legal question was raised, that is, whether or not the search and seizure conducted was lawful? For those well-versed in Philippine law, the answer is clear. However, for many law enforcement officers on the ground, especially in high-stress situations, recalling the intricate details of legal procedures can be challenging.
