Human Security Act, Filipinos’ Armor Against Terrorism

The Human Security Act or the Anti-Terrorism Law which will be implemented starting July 15, is the armor that would shield the Filipinos against terrorism.

There is no reason to be afraid of the Human Security Act as it has been enacted by Congress for the protection of human rights, not for human rights violation. The only ones who should be afraid of the implementation are those who are planning something illegal.
The public has nothing to fear about the law especially if they are not engaged in terrorism. No less than Anti-Terrorism Task Force spokesman Ricardo Blancaflor said that the law is needed in order to address the threat of terrorism which is a reality in the Philippines.
Blancaflor cited that one of the suspects in the Valentines Day bombing in Makati City had been previously arrested only to be released on bail after being charged with a mere illegal possession of explosives.

"We previously arrested him but the charge against him was merely illegal possession. So he was able to go out (on bail). When he went out, he returned to Mindanao and went back to Manila and bombed the bus (in Makati City)," he said. The attack was perpetrated jointly by the radical Rajah Solaiman Movement and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group. It was reportedly funded by Southeast Asian regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah.
Under the new law, however, a mere possession could be classified as a terrorist act. “Now, he cannot do that (jump bail) because if you are arrested even for illegal possession (of explosives), you cannot be allowed to post bail,” Blancaflor said.

The law provides that any person who commits an act punishable under any of the provisions of the Revised Penal Code to wit: piracy in general and mutiny in the high seas or in the Philippine waters; rebellion or insurrection; coup d’etat; murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention; crimes involving destruction; or those under the laws on arson; toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear waste control; atomic energy; anti-hijacking; anti-piracy and anti-highway robbery; illegal and unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunitions or explosives, thereby sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear or panic among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give in to unlawful demand, shall be guilty of the crime of terrorism and shall suffer the penalty of forty years imprisonment, without the benefit of parole as provided for under the Indeterminate Sentence Law.

The Human Security Act is the missing link in the government’s fight against terrorists who continue to sow havoc in the country.