Amending Human Security Act won’t stop terrorists — Makabayan

Photo attached show the inside of Jolo Cathedral following Sunday morning’s blasts. Photo from United Kabalikat Civicom Jolo chapter, a citizen communications group

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the so-called Makabayan bloc said that amending Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007 would not be an answer to terrorism and other radical, violent attacks.

Instead of changing the law, ACT party-list Rep. France Castro asked government to address the root cause of terrorism.

“Tingin natin hindi sagot itong pino-propose na mga amendment sa HSA para supilin ‘yong terorismo,” Castro told reporters during a demonstration outside the House of Representatives.

“Dapat ay i-address ng ating gobyerno ang root cause ng terorismo, at ang mga hinaing ng mga mamamayan,” she added.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate echoed Castro’s sentiments, saying that crafting laws will not end a historical problem in Mindanao and other war-torn areas.

“Hindi lamang sa pagpapasa o pagraratipika ng isang batas malulutas ‘yong historical at malalim na problema sa buong bansa,” Zarate said.

The lawmakers statement was in reaction the House committee on public order and safety’s discussion of House Bills 7141 and 5507, specifically changes to Section 4 (Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism) of R.A. 9372.

The hearing came a day after suspected terrorists bombed the Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, killing at least 20 and leaving 111 injured.

Gabriela Rep. Emmi De Jesus warned government officials against using the incident in Jolo to push the amendments to the HSA.

“Ayan na naman sila,” de Jesus said.

“Ito ay talagang paglabag na at affront to the Filipino people, lalong-lalo na sa mga biktima ng Jolo bombing, she added.

READ: Jolo twin blasts death toll reaches 25, with 111 others injured

If House Bills 7141 and 5507 are enacted, the government will have greater power over suspected terrorists.  Proposed Section 5 of HB 7141 says that people proven to propose (Section 5a) and incite (Section 5b) terrorism will be sentenced to life imprisonment to death.

Also, people who recruit members for terrorist organizations, and those who provide material support to such groups will face the same forms of punishment.

During the hearing, groups opposed to the HSA amendment including ACT party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said the definitions were too loose, claiming that provisions might be abused in the future.

Representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ) countered by assuring that there are legal safeguards which would prevent falsely-accused people from suffering the full brunt of the law. /cbb