Military says new anti-terror measure doesn’t give AFP new powers

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines sought to allay fears that the tougher anti-terror measure passed by Congress would give any “new power” to the military.

“What has been reported to me so far is that nothing in the enrolled bill to be sent to the President for his consideration adds any new power to the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement on Thursday (June 4).

He said, however, that AFP will “reserve further comment until the proposed legislation is signed into law by the President and the IRRs are out so we can study the law and the hows of its implementation.”

The House of Representatives on Wednesday (June 3) passed the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 by a vote of 173-31, with 29 abstentions.

The AFP welcomed the passage of the proposed legislation, which repeals the Human Security Act.

“We are pleased to hear that the bill was passed by Congress,” Arevalo said.

Fears have been raised over some provisions of the bill which critics said would be prone to abuse or could be used as weapons against government detractors.

“We are aware that the various issues raised on the proposed piece of legislation were all considered in the thorough and deliberate discussions in Congress,” Arevalo said.

Edited by TSB