Congress asked: Steer clear of amendments to terror law

MANILA, Philippines - The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan is urging Congress to steer clear from “dangerous” amendments to the Human Security Act.

The militant group said this is not the answer to solving terrorism, even as countries across the world continue to be on the lookout for actions that would deter the problem. The world commemorates today the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.

“We do not need a terror law to solve the problem of terrorism. Government should first improve law enforcement and the observance of human rights within the security forces.  Government should also address poverty and rural underdevelopment,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said.

Amendments to the Human Security Act are part of the Aquino administration’s priorities.

“The proposed amendments to an already bad terror law will only make the law worse. Given the track record of our police and military, including documented cases of torture and other abuses, the amended terror law will pose more problems than solutions. In this case, the purported cure can turn out to be worse than the disease. We urge Congress to steer clear from these dangerous amendments,” Reyes added.

Malacanang’s proposals include lowering the penalties for law enforcers who commit wrongful arrests and abuses, as well as eliminating a provision which informs suspected terrorists that they are under surveillance.

Malacanang yesterday reiterated its call, even as the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) said security laws passed after the 9-11 attacks have undermined fundamental freedoms.

“It is not wise nor safe to give more powers to security forces that have notorious human rights record of arbitrary arrests, torture, illegal detention, planting of evidence and even extrajudicial killings. Lowering penalties for those who may abuse the anti-terror law may result in impunity,” Reyes added.