The anti-terrorism law is a crucial tool to enhance the government's efforts to fight terrorism and protect people from harm, President Duterte said during the annual gathering of the United Nations (UN).
The President defended Republic Act No. 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, before the world body after rights advocates expressed concern it might be prone to abuse.
Duterte said the new law, which prevents, prohibits, and penalizes terrorism, observes the UN documents related to fighting the security threat.
"The Marawi siege, where foreign terrorist fighters took part, taught us that an effective legal framework is crucial. Our 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act shores up the legal framework by focusing on both terrorism and the usual reckless response to it," he said.
"Its enactment was done pursuant to our commitment, and the strict adherence to the relevant Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy," he said.
Duterte recognized the lingering threat of terrorism and violent extremism, citing his government's commitment to protect people from harm.
"Terrorism looms large," he said.
"As I said at the Aqaba Process, the Philippines will do everything and partner with anyone who would sincerely desire to protect the innocent from terrorism in all its manifestations," he added.
He said the government is also committed to rebuild stricken communities and address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism in the country.
The anti-terrorism law, signed by Duterte last July, allows the detention of terror suspects without charge for up to 24 days as well as surveillance and wiretaps for 90 days. The law also creates the anti-terrorism council that can designate persons or groups as suspected terrorists.
It defines terrorism as acts intending to cause death or injury, damage to government or private property and critical infrastructure, or use weapons to "spread a message of fear," provoke or intimidate the government, destabilize or destroy the country' political, economic or social structures, or create a public emergency or undermine public safety.
Some groups have opposed the anti-terrorism bill amid concerns it might be used to curb civil liberties and target government critics. Several petitions questioning the anti-terrorism law have been filed before the Supreme Court.