Philippine National Police Chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde (File photo)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, said he supports the proposal to expand the wiretapping period to effectively address terrorism and other serious threats to national security.
“That is part of our amendment na pino-propose doon sa (we propose on the) Human Security Act,” Albayalde said in a media interview on Tuesday.
“And we support that because in other countries, they can hold a person for as much as two years without any case, provided the case is strong against him for acts of terrorism,” he said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said the Cabinet cluster on security would recommend amendments to Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.
Lorenzana said the proposal to extend the initial wiretapping period from the present 30 days to 60 days will provide ample time for investigators and other law enforcers to gather evidence against suspects.
Albayalde said it really takes time to monitor terrorists and their wide networks, “not only domestic but also abroad."
“So baka kulang 'yung 30 days dyan (So perhaps 30 days are not enough),” he added.
Albayalde urged the public to look at the positive side of the proposed amendments.
“We should look at this on a positive side because this is for everybody. We have to think of this because the problem of terrorism is not a joke,” Albayalde said.
“These acts or laws are meant to address criminality, terrorism. Hindi po ito (This is not) to address political rivalry. Let us do away with this kind of mentality. There is no political color on this,” he added.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier also expressed support for the proposed amendments to the Human Security Act, which former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed on March 6, 2007.
"Terrorism is a serious threat to national security and public safety. So if our security experts recommend that a longer period for permissible wiretapping is necessary, I will support it," Guevarra said.
Under the law, wiretapping may be done with the consent of the Court of Appeals exclusively for suspected terrorists.
However, the recording of privileged communication between journalists and their sources, lawyers and their clients, and doctors and their patients shall not be allowed. (PNA)
