Military approves anti-terror bill

June 4, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes the House of Representatives approval of a measure that would toughen up a law against terrorism.

"We are pleased to hear that the Bill was passed by Congress. We are aware that the various issues raised on the proposed piece of legislation were all considered in the thorough and deliberate discussions in Congress," said Brig Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman.

"We reserve further comment until the proposed legislation is signed into law by the President and the IRRs are out so we can study the law and the how’s of its implementation," he said.

"But from what has been reported to me so far is that nothing in the enrolled bill to be sent to the President for his consideration adds any new power to the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he added.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Western Mindanao Command Commander,  emphasized the importance of the bill on the anti-terrorism campaign in Southern Philippines.

"It will further enhance (our anti-terror campaign) because with anti-terror bill we will have focus in as far as fighting terrorism is concerned," he said.

"What we just need together with the bill is capacitate our units in the Armed Forces, although with our modernization program our equipment are already there, So with this issuance maybe there will be additional capabilities that will be introduced to the organization, especially on intelligence aspects," said Sobejana.

"With the approval of the bill and with the modernization of the armed forces particularly on its intellligence capability I think we can put an end to the menace of terrorism," he added.

However, Sobejana also emphasized the importance of the active participation of the people in the community on the fight against terrorism.

"There should also be an active participation of the communities because like what we always say, security is a shared responsibility. So the armed component of terrorism is just one, but the root causes why there are terrorist should also be addressed," he said.

"It really requires active participation from the civilian government, from the local government units, the local chief executives and other stakeholders," he added. Robina Asido/DMS