Longer detention period for terror suspects backed

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it supports Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s proposal to extend the detention of terror suspects without an arrest warrant to a period of 30 to 60 days.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said this is to provide ample time for investigators and other law enforcers to gather evidence against the suspects.

“So that enough time will be given to investigators and law enforcers to gather information and evidence that will build up a strong case when the trial processes begin,” he said.

The defense chief made this proposal during a hearing of the Senate committee on national defense and security, adding that time must be given to law enforcement agencies to develop their case against terror suspects.

The Human Security Act of 2007 only allows for the detention of suspected terrorists for three days.

Also, the hearing was convened as part of the efforts to amend the law.