CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—-The human rights group Amnesty International (AI) said the signing by President Rodrigo Duterte of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act is “yet another setback for human rights.”
“Under Duterte’s presidency, even the mildest government critics can be labelled terrorists,” said Nicholas Bequelin, AI’s Asia-Pacific regional director.
“This administration has effectively crafted a new weapon to brand and hound any perceived enemies of the state,” Bequelin said.
“In the prevailing climate of impunity, a law so vague on the definition of ‘terrorism’ can only worsen attacks against human rights defenders,” Bequelin added.
The law has been widely criticized for its alleged threat to curtail liberties and its openness to abuse by authorities.
“The approval of this law grants the government excessive and unchecked powers,” said Bequelin.
“Legislation aimed at ‘countering terrorism’ must ensure respect for international human rights and humanitarian law and protect basic liberties,” Bequelin said.
“This law’s introduction is the latest example of the country’s ever-worsening human rights record,” he added.
“Once again, this shows why the United Nations (UN) should launch a formal investigation into ongoing widespread and systematic violations in the country,” Bequelin said.
Three days ago, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has urged Duterte to refrain from signing the then proposed law saying that the measure blurs the “important distinctions between criticism, criminality, and terrorism.”