Duterte defends passage of Anti-Terrorism Act before UNGA

September 23, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has defended the Philippines' passage of an anti-terrorism law before the United Nations General Assembly.

In his participation in the General Debate of the 75th Session of UN General Assembly, Duterte said his government will do everything and partner with anyone who would sincerely protect the innocent from terrorism in all its manifestations.

Citing the 2017 Marawi siege where foreign terrorist fighters took part, Duterte said this taught the Philippines 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. 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.

Various petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Some quarters, including some international human rights groups, have raised concern that the new law would be used by the Duterte administration against its critics.

The Duterte government, however, said that the law has safeguards to prevent abuses from the state forces.

Duterte reiterated his administration's commitment to rebuild war-stricken communities and address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism in the country.

In the same speech, Duterte vowed to continue to cooperate with the UN on its peacekeeping efforts.

He said that more female Filipino peacekeepers would be deployed.

"From the Golan Heights in the Middle East to Liberia in West Africa, Filipino peacekeepers put themselves in the frontlines between the vulnerable and those who seek harm," he said.

"We are committed to increasing the Philippine footprint in UN peacekeeping operations with increased participation of women," the President said. Celerina Monte/DMS