‘Not martial law’: PNP says anti-terror law won’t weaken gov’t checks, balances

Progressive groups stage a protest and noise barrage outside the House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 3 to demand the scrapping of the anti-terrorism bill which Congress approved in its 2nd reading on Tuesday. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on Tuesday gave assurance that the controversial Anti-Terror Bill will not be abused, saying the courts and Congress would still be operational to address grievances of the public.

“Walang dagdag ito na powers sa Philippine National Police… sa tingin ko meron itong safety nets. Nandyan ang publiko to watch. There are may appropriate remedies na pwedeng puntahan ng aggrieved parties,” Gamboa, who is a police lawyer, said during the Laging Handa briefing when asked about his opinion on the Anti-Terror Bill.

(There are no additional powers to PNP… I think there are safety nets under the bill. The public is there to watch. There are appropriate remedies where aggrieved parties can reach out.)

“Hindi naman ito martial law so all the courts, all the legislators, are still active so kaya naman nila pumunta kung gusto nila mag-air ng grievances,” he added.

(This is not martial law so all the courts and legislators are still active so they can go there to air their grievances.)

Gamboa also assured that the police force will follow due process as provided by the safety nets of the measure.

“Rest assured the PNP will always operate under the law na susunod naman tayo kung ano proseso so hindi naman dapat mapawalang bahala ang publiko because of appropriate safety nets are provided under the law,” he said.

(Rest assured the PNP will always operate under the law and will follow the process so the public won’t be  worried because appropriate safety nets are provided under the law.)

The Anti-Terror Bill punishes those who will propose, incite, conspire, participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; including those who will provide material support to terrorists, and recruit members in a terrorist organization.

Human rights organizations and other critics warned that the measure will be abused and used to crack down dissenters of the government.

The bill has been signed by leaders of Senate and House of Representatives. It is now transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is expected to sign the measure into law.

EDV