Canberra, Manila ink intel deal

Canberra, Manila ink intel deal

AUSTRALIA: Australia and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to
swap financial intelligence in a bid to fight money laundering
and financing for militant groups.

Australian Justice Minister Chris Ellison said the agreement
came after the Philippines passed new laws to crack down on money
laundering and financing of terror groups.

"The signing of the memorandum of understanding will now
enable the formal exchange of vital financial intelligence
between Australia and the Philippines, strengthening the war on
money laundering and terrorism financing in this region," Ellison
said in a statement.

Australia has been strengthening security intelligence in
Southeast Asia since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United
States, and has signed security cooperation agreements with 11
nations. The Philippines is the 42nd country to sign an agreement
with Australia on the exchange of financial intelligence. --
Reuters