PNP supports call for restoration of Anti-Subversion Law

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for the proposal of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to revive the Anti-Subversion Law but said the measure still needs review.

“We support the Good [Interior] Secretary yung kanyang move kung i-a-ano yan [Anti-Subversion Law]. But then again, that needs several studies pa,” PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said in an interview at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Tuesday.

Año called for the restoration of Republic Act 1700 or Anti-Subversion Law in the wake of intelligence reports that some 500 to 1,000 young Filipinos are now being allegedly indoctrinated by the communist movement to either become members of the New People’s Army or serve as leaders of militant groups in schools.

Año said the communist movement is taking advantage of the repeal of the anti-subversion law to press with their recruitment activities in schools.

Albayade criticized the communist movement in the Philippines, saying communist rebels are just “desperately” trying to justify their existence in the present society.

“Sa atin, itong mga nangyari na ito, these [communist groups] are just very few of our society. Remember kaya ginagawa na ito, they [communists] are struggling desperately to show their existence and significance to community when in fact ito po ay mangilan-ngilan na lang sa ating society,” Albayalde said.   /muf

READ: DOJ chief: Mere affiliation to communist movement not a crime