Anti-terror IRR to prevent abuses

Civil and political rights are protected under the Anti-Terror Law of 2020 and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Department of Justice Undersecretary

Adrian Sugay made this remark in a television interview yesterday, pointing out that those who are just voicing their concerns are not considered terrorists, but it’s different if they advocate terroristic acts.

Sugay said law enforcement agencies are on the lookout for terror acts in all platforms either on street actions or social media.

He said just like in other countries, their law enforcement agencies monitor all activities of suspected terrorists which include those in social media platforms.

Under the IRR, it is very clear, according to Sugay, that acts which cause extensive damage to properties, either private or government, developing, planning action intended to cause extensive damage, widespread chaos, intimidate the public and any other intimidation that seriously destabilize social structures are acts of terrorism.

Sugay brushed aside insinuations of critics that the Anti-Terror Law definition of terrorism is vague, reason for them to file petitions, 37 in all, before the Supreme Court.

He said law enforcers cannot discount social media because terrorists are using it to propagate their cause and the law covers all forms of terrorism, particularly if it incites the public to perform such acts.

The IRR states that law enforcers should conduct themselves according to the law because if they fail to observe the proper procedure they will also be facing sanctions or jail time.

In short, Sugay said the IRR which has been listed already has the necessary safety features to prevent possible abuses.