Biazon lauds passage of anti-terror law; reminds of use only vs terrorists

MANILA, Philippines — While lauding the enactment of the anti-terror law, Muntinlupa City Lone District Representative Ruffy Biazon on Saturday reminded state security forces to be “vigilant” in using the measure.

“As one of those who have been working closely with the anti-terrorism proponents, I congratulate our state security forces for achieving what they asked Congress for—-a stronger and more potent law against terrorists,” Biazon said in a statement.

Biazon, who was previously known as one of the principal authors of the House version of the measure, added that in the “vigilant” use of the measure, state security forces should ensure “that it is used only against terrorists, and with the highest regard for civil and political rights of law-abiding citizens.”

Despite massive opposition, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the bill into law, which will repeal the Human Security Act of 2007.

Under the measure, it allows the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days without charges.

The law also criminalizes incitement of terrorism “by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners, or other representations.”

Biazon was one of the principal authors of the House version of the bill, but withdrew his authorship and voted against the passage of the measure after House members adopted the Senate version of the bill without making any amendments.

/MUF