Año says anti-terrorism bill has stricter supervision on cops amid accusation of abuses

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday said the controversial anti-terrorism bill would allow strict supervision of police after some security forces have been accused of abuse of power.

"Lalo na tayong magiging mahigpit kapag mayroon na ang batas na ito kasi kailangang bantayan talaga natin at ang gusto natin nakafocus lang tayo sa terrorism," Año said in a virtual press briefing.

"I will guarantee also na ito namang reforms na ginagawa sa AFP at PNP, tuloy-tuloy ito. Huwag na nating ikumpara 'yung noon sa ngayon sapagkat nakikita ko naman na talagang nai-internalize naman sa buong organization 'yung pagsunod sa human rights," he added.

He maintained that the proposed law has safety measures to protect the rights of every individual against law enforcers who will abuse their authority. He added one could question if ever there will be cases of warrantless arrests.

Authorities who will abuse their power could even face years of imprisonment, according to Año.

"If nagkaroon naman ng abuses, nandiyan naman sa batas din, 10 years imprisonment 'yung nanghuli nang hindi nababatay sa rules of court, 'yung nagconduct ng wiretapping na walang authorization or court order from Court of Appeals, at kung nagkaroon ng torture or anumang paglabag sa human rights. 10 years imprisonment 'yan at forever banning in any government position," he said.

"Napakaraming measures na nandoon sa batas. Unang-una, kung magkaroon ng warrantless arrest, ang unang-unang gagawin ng arresting officer is to notify in written form the nearest court or judge, notify also the CHR and then provide access to the accused private or even direct communication with his lawyer and family. Puwede rin magfile ng writ of habeas and writ of amparo ang counsel ng accused. Ibig sabihin, puwede mong kuwestiyonin 'yung arrest niya," he explained.

When asked on some police officers supposedly tagging militant groups as "terrorists," Año said it has never been the position of the national government, noting that it acknowledges the right of every citizen to air their grievances against the government in a peaceful manner.

"It has never been the government's position. We always respect citizens' right for freedom of expression as long as they are not committing any crime or inciting sedition or rebellion," he said.

Some have expressed apprehensions over the proposed measure, saying that it could target individuals expressing dissent against the government.

The anti-terrorism bill has already been submitted by the Congress to President Rodrigo Duterte last June 9. The President has yet to decide whether to sign or veto the bill.

Once approved, implementing rules and regulations will be crafted by the government, Año said.

"Kapag ito ay naaprubahan ng Pangulo, mayroon pa naman tayong IRR na gagawin at dito ay ihihimay-himay kung ano 'yung mga puwede at hindi puwede base doon sa batas," he said. —AOL, GMA News