‘Bato’ cites Jolo bombings to rap anti-terror law critics

TERRORISM IS REAL: Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in a privilege speech Tuesday, August 25, 2020, says that the recent twin bombings in Jolo clearly showed that terrorism is real and that those sowing terror knows no bounds, the reason why the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was enacted. Dela Rosa also expressed his sympathy to the families of the members of the military, the police and civilians who have died as well as to those who were injured. “May the God of peace and healing be with us in these trying times as we join our hand in restoring peace and order in the country and among our people,” Dela Rosa said. (Joseph Vidal/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Describing the deadly bombings in Jolo, Sulu as the “real” and “present” danger challenging the country’s anti-terrorism efforts, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa asked critics if they have yet to outgrow their “imagined threats” under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

In a privilege speech delivered during Tuesday’s plenary session, Dela Rosa condemned the explosions in Jolo that killed several soldiers and civilians.

Dela Rosa, chair of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee, also zeroed in on critics of the controversial anti-terrorism law.

“To the critics, I dare ask this question: with the recent Jolo bombing, have you not realized that terrorism is indeed in our midst, with its clear, imminent and present danger, ready to devour anyone in its path?” he said.

“Ano ba talaga ang mas matimbang sa inyo, yung inyong imagined threat na pwedeng gagawin ng gobyerno laban sa mga kritiko, or itong real, clear and present danger na makikita natin na nagkalasog-lasog na katawan ng ating mga sundalo, policemen at mga sibilyan,” he added.

(What matters to you more? Your imagined threat on what the government may do to its critics or this real, clear and present danger that we are seeing now with the bodies of our soldiers, policemen and civilians all torn up.)

Dela Rosa defended the anti-terror law saying that many groups and individuals have raised “frantic concerns” on the “conceived abuses” that may possibly be committed by the government in implementing the measure.

“This is the piece of legislation that seeks to prevent, prohibit and penalize terrorism in the country,” he said.

“Have you not outgrown your pre-conceived and imagined threats contained in [the anti-terror law]?” he added.

Further, he called on human rights advocates to condemn the attack that hit Jolo and “not just on the ill actions done by a few members of the military and the police.”

“The members of the military and the police force are also victims of human rights abuses in the face of terrorism. They too deserve your attention and assistance,” the senator, a former national police chief, said.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) earlier said that it would conduct an investigation into the twin bombings in Jolo, which it branded as “cruel and inhumane.”

According to police, 14 people were killed and 72 individuals were injured in the two separate explosions in Jolo, Sulu.

Reports from the military said the first explosion occurred at 11:54 a.m. inside a food shop in Barangay Walled City in Jolo, where a military truck was parked. After an hour, another explosion also occurred at the Goteckleng Building which is a hundred meters away from the location of the first blast.

“The grim scenario of massive destruction and desolation, bloodied and mangled bodies of innocent civilians and military or police personnel splattered everywhere, just keeps entering my mind whenever I hear news of terror attacks in any part of our country, especially in my beloved Mindanao,” Dela Rosa said.

“Yesterday, this scenario became so real again, as two explosions wreaked havoc in Jolo, Province of Sulu,” he added.

As of August 21, 29 petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court against the anti-terror law.

The law was enacted last July 3 and implemented by the government starting July 18 despite widespread opposition and fears from several lawmakers and various groups that it may be open to abuses. [ac]