NSC, ATC to craft guidelines of newly signed Anti-Terrorism Act

The National Security Council and the Anti-Terrorism Council are set to meet for a review of the newly signed Anti-Terrorism Act, as well as to formulate the law's implementing rules and regulations.

"Bagong pirma 'yan. Magkakaroon kami ng kopya niyan most likely ngayon o bukas. Handa na kaming magpulong sa Anti Terrorism Council," National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said at the Laging Handa public briefing on Saturday.

Esperon said he has discussed with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea regarding the review for both councils to have a uniform understanding of the law.

Both councils will then submit the implementing rules and regulations to the Congress, which will in turn form a joint oversight committee.

"Napakaliwanag naman. Itong batas na ito ay talagang kailangan, it's a matter of necessity," Esperon said, as he cited past deeds of terrorists, including the bombings in Davao and acts of terrorism in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the Marawi siege.

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

Anti-Terrorism Law by Luis Gorgonio on Scribd

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.

Opponents of the new law may turn to the Supreme Court to invalidate the legislation on constitutional grounds. —LBG, GMA News