Public vigilance vs. Anti-Terrorism Act urged
A human rights group on Tuesday called for public vigilance after the release of the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
“Now more than ever, we need to be vigilant on the implementation of one of the most questioned laws in the country,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.
The group maintained its dissent against the anti-terror law over concerns it will be used to intimidate and harass dissenters rather than on terrorists.
“The IRR merely confirmed the issues raised by the petitioners,” Palabay said. Among which is the law could be prone to abuse and human rights violations.
The group asserted how the anti-terror law could be “weaponized” against activists, opposition members, media, and political dissenters.
Karapatan also pointed out how the controversial measure affects freedom of expression as it has provisions that would allow warrantless arrest and detention for as long as 24 days.
The anti-terror law gives government more powers to act against persons or groups falling under what critics claim is a “dangerous and vague” definition of terrorism.
“The immense powers given to the Anti-Terrorism Council remain a grave concern, especially with alleged human rights violators at the helm,” Palabay said.
The ATC, under the law, was given the authority to order the arrest of suspected terrorists and unilaterally designate person as terrorists.
There are 37 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the anti-terrorism law before the SC, most of which sought a temporary restraining order that would suspend its implementation while the cases are pending.
Prior to the ATA enactment, the petitioners said they have already been subjected to red-tagging as communists by the government.
Karapatan cited the terror-tagging that resulted in the killing of peace consultants Randy Malayao and Randall Echanis, as well as human rights worker Zara Alvarez.
They were reportedly included in the list of about 600 people that the Department of Justice (DOJ) wanted legally declared as terrorists in 2018.
“We fear that the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would only further empower such attacks and abuses,” Palabay said.