ATA rules, regulations to capacitate AFP in tracking terrorists

The new law, which repeals RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007, seeks the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days with no warrant of arrest. (PNA photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has said the approval of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) would greatly help the military in tracking down and arresting terrorists and their allies.

“This will surely capacitate and empower the AFP to run after, assist in the arrest and prosecution, and secure our country and people against terrorist organizations, associations, groups, individuals, proponents, and supporters,” AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a statement sent to reporters on Thursday.

Arevalo also lauded the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), whose technical working group was headed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), for completing the IRR on schedule.

On Wednesday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said his office would disseminate copies of the law’s IRR to Congress and law enforcement agencies, as required under the law, and will publish the IRR online and in a newspaper of general circulation in the coming days.

Arevalo expressed optimism that the law’s IRR, which provides details and clarifies its provisions, would be an effective deterrent against terrorists.

“It should be terrorists and abettors and not law-abiding citizens who should be spooked by the passage of the law and the approval of the corresponding IRR,” he said.

Arevalo added that AFP Chief, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, assures the public that the military is and will always be committed to protecting and respecting the civil and political rights of Filipino citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año described the IRR as well aligned with the law.

“I am a member of the ATC and we deliberated and reviewed the IRR thoroughly. All the provisions are well defined and aligned with the law,” Año added.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police spokesperson, Col. Ysmael Yu, said they have yet to receive a copy of the IRR to determine the PNP’s exact role in implementing the law.

Yu said concerned agencies have yet to meet regarding the matter.

The DOJ last August began drafting the IRR of the law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3.

The new law, which repeals RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007, seeks the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days with no warrant of arrest.

It also allows the police or the military to conduct a 60-day surveillance with an allowable 30-day extension on suspected terrorists. (With reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)