All Local Chief Executives in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have given their full support in the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 which amends the Human Security Act of 2007.
During the Monday convocation on June 22, DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III revealed that the Region was able to secure the support of all its four provincial governors, four city mayors and 46 municipal mayors. This 100% support makes Region XII one of the highest regions in the country with the highest LCE support for the bill.
RD Leysa said that last June 15, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año handed the said list of local government chiefs who showed support the bill - composed of 43 governors, 68 city mayors, and 673 municipal mayors - to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Roque confirmed the said report during his interview with ANC anchor Karen Davila last June 17.
The bill, which was certified “urgent” by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been passed by both Houses of Congress to Malacañang for signature last June 9, 2020. The House of Representatives adopted the Senate’s version of the Bill.
Authors and backers of the bill say that the Anti-Terrorism bill is an improved version of the Human Security Act of 2007 which seeks to end terrorism in the country particularly its decades-long battle against communist insurgents and Islamic separatists.
Further, backers of the Human Security Act of 2007 say that the said piece of legislation has been rendered outdated and insufficient in curbing terrorism in the country which is now operating in the digital age. The bill expanded its definition of terrorism which would include acts intended to cause "death or serious bodily injury to any person," "extensive damage and destruction" to a government facility, private property or critical infrastructure and when the purpose of those acts is to "intimidate [the] general public," "create an atmosphere or message of fear," or "seriously destabilize or destroy the fundamental political, economic and social structures of the country."
Those found guilty of terrorism attacks or inciting others to commit terrorism may face 12 years of imprisonment. Suspected persons may also be detained for 14 days without warrant of arrest with an allowable 10-day extension.
Police and military are also allowed to conduct surveillance on suspected terrorists for 60 days with an allowable extension of 30 days. Videoconferencing for the accused and witnesses will also be allowed under the proposed bill.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has defended the said bill against critics who condemned the bill’s supposed “vague” definition of terrorism as a direct attack against the people’s right to free speech and an avenue for red-tagging.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has assured critics and detractors that safeguards will be implemented against human rights abuses.
Under the proposed bill, the Commission of Human Rights will be notified in case of a detention of a suspected terrorist.
Duterte has until July 9 to approve or veto the bill. This, however, will be automatically forced into law if there will be no presidential action.
