CHR to monitor closely rights abuses under Anti-Terror Law

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday said it will remain vigilant against human rights abuses after the Anti-Terrorism Act was passed into law.

"With the law’s passage, CHR will hold on to the government’s commitment, alongside the sponsors and advocates of this law, that human rights will be upheld at all cost. This includes commitment to protect free speech; the right to dissent and petition redress for grievances; due process and presumption of innocence; and respect for human dignity and the value of human life among others," CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

"Ensuring that we live in peace is a human right. Let’s not frame human rights as if they are mere hindrances. They are the standards by which we demand actions from the government for a better, dignified life," the CHR said.

"CHR will continue to be vigilant against abuses and will remain firm in standing up for human rights," it said.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the anti-terror bill into law on Friday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act 11479) despite objections from various groups, including the United Nations human rights body and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The CHR said it has also expressed reservations about the legislation "not for its intent to curb terrorism, but on how the law puts at risk the guaranteed rights of the people."

"Our position has been clear: CHR deplores how violences by terrorists have disregarded individual and collective rights through the destruction of properties and loss of lives. We are against terrorism. But in the pursuit of a safer nation, we cannot compromise our human rights," CHR said.

The measure states that any person found guilty by the court of planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism will be penalized with life imprisonment without the benefit of parole. The same penalty will be imposed on a person found guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorism.

Under the measure, any person who will threaten to commit terrorism will be imprisoned for 12 years.

The same jail term will be imposed on those who will propose any terroristic act or incite others to commit terrorism.

At the same time, any person who will volunteer or join any organization, association or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization will also be imprisoned for 12 years.

The same penalty will be imposed on any person found liable as an accessory in the commission of terrorism.

Critics have also warned against the up-to 24-day warrantless detention period for suspected terrorists, and the alleged authority of the Anti-Terrorism Council to authorize in writing the arrest of terrorism suspects.

Roque said however that developed countries had "more draconian" laws against terrorism, citing those in the US and the United Kingdom.

He said Philippine lawmakers behind the bill “looked at the European legislation as a model” in drafting the new law, which replaced the Human Security Act of 2007. —KG, GMA News