PHILIPPINE COURT OUTLAWS TERRORIST GROUP

摘要

A philippine court has declared the Abu Sayyaf Group a terrorist organization in a ruling that provides the government with another legal weapon against militants who have survived years of government offensives. Abu Sayyaf is the first militant organization to be officially outlawed in the Southeast Asian country under a rarely used anti-terrorism law. The brutal group, which has targeted Americans and other foreigners, has already been listed as a terrorist group by the United States. Philippine prosecutors say the terror designation will help the government hunt down and prosecute Abu Sayyaf and get court permission to place suspected militants under surveillance. Officials intend to impose sanctions against members and supporters, making it harder for the militants to receive financial support because of their designation as outlaws.