AFP welcomes approval of anti-terror law's IRR

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday welcomed the approval of the implementing rules and regulations of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

In a press statement, AFP spokesman Major General Edgard Arevalo underscored that the approval of the IRR would surely empower the military to "run after, assist in the arrest and prosecution, and secure our country and people against terrorist organizations, associations, groups, individuals, proponents, and supporters."

"The AFP is optimistic that the law and its IRR (which provides details and further clarifies the provisions of the law) will be an effective deterrence to terrorists," Arevalo said.

"It should be terrorists and abettors and not law-abiding citizens who should be spooked by the passage of the law and the approval of the corresponding IRR," he added.

AFP chief General Gilbert Gapay assured the public that government troops are and will always be committed in protecting and respecting the civil and political rights of every Filipino, according to Arevalo.

On Wednesday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said copies of the IRR would be distributed to Congress and law enforcement agencies. He added that it will be published online and in a broadsheet during the weekend.

The highly-opposed law took effect in July, replacing the 2007 Human Security Act as the Philippines’ anti-terrorism legislation.

A total of 37 petitions have been filed against the new law before the Supreme Court as critics claimed that it endangers basic rights and could legitimize alleged attacks against activists. —LBG, GMA News