AFP welcomes approval of the IRR of Anti-Terrorism Act

October 15, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes the approval of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

"We are pleased with the timely approval of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Anti-Terrorism Act," Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, said on Thursday.

"This will surely capacitate and empower the AFP to run after, assist in the arrest and prosecution, and secure our country and people against terrorist organizations, associations, groups, individuals, proponents, and supporters," he added.

Arevalo emphasized that "the AFP is optimistic that the law and its IRR (which provides details and further clarifies the provisions of the law) will be an effective deterrence to terrorists."

"It should be terrorists and abettors and not law-abiding citizens who should be spooked by the passage of the law and the approval of the corresponding IRR," he said.

"AFP Chief General Gilbert Gapay assures our people that the military is and will always be committed to protecting and respecting civil and political rights of our citizens as enshrined in the Constitution," he added. Robina Asido/DMS