PNP expresses support for initiatives to pass anti-terror bill

June 4, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday expressed support to public sector initiatives for the passage of Senate Bill 1083 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

According to PNP chief, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa the amendments to the Human Security Act of 2007   in the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will strengthen the country’s anti-terrorism policies.

“We cannot quantify the loss of lives and property, not to mention the economic impact of a scenario where there is widespread panic and fear should we find ourselves caught in the middle of a terrorist attack with the same magnitude as the 9-11 in New York in 2001, the 7-7 in London in 2005, the Rizal Day 2000 in Manila, and the infamous Marawi siege in May 2017,” Gamboa said in a statement.

“We can only say better late than sorry even if we are the latest country in Asia-Pacific to pass a law that criminalizes terrorism but definitely there ought to be a law,” he added.

Gamboa said in situations where the very existence of the democratic institution is threatened, government can always invoke the right of the state to protect itself.

“And this Anti-Terrorism legislation is a just and valid exercise of that right of the state to protect itself and its people,” Gamboa said.

The House of Representatives Wednesday approved on third and final reading a measure amending the Human Security Act of 2007 or the anti-terrorism bill.

The controversial measure, which was approved without amendment, was put to a vote a day after President Rodrigo Duterte certified the bill as urgent.

Congressmen voted 173-31 with 29 abstentions.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año assured the public that the bill seeks to protect the rights of innocent people from terrorists and will not violate human rights. Ella Dionisio/DMS