AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not be given “any new power" under the proposed measure meant to strengthen the country's anti-terrorism law, its spokesperson said Thursday.
"From what has been reported to me so far, nothing in the Enrolled Bill to be sent to the President for his consideration adds any new power to the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters.
Arevalo was referring to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 that was passed by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in a 173-31-29 vote on Wednesday.
He said that while they are pleased with this development, the AFP would “reserve further comment until the proposed legislation is signed into law by the President and the IRRs (Implementing Rules and Regulations) are out so we can study the law and the how’s of its implementation."
The AFP, Arevalo said, is aware of the various issues raised on the proposed legislation, which were all considered during the thorough deliberations and discussions in Congress.
PNP: Stronger anti-terror law necessary
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the passage of the measure.
PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, said the measure that seeks to amend the Human Security Act of 2007 would update and strengthen the country’s anti-terrorism policies.
"We cannot quantify the loss of lives and property, not to mention the economic impact of a scenario where there is widespread ‘panic and fear’, should we find ourselves caught in the middle of a terrorist attack with the same magnitude as the 9-11 in New York in 2001, the 7-7 in London in 2005, the Rizal Day 2000 in Manila, and the infamous Marawi siege in May 2017," Gamboa said in a statement.
Citing the need to pass such a measure, he said the government can always "invoke the right of the state to protect itself."
"And this anti-terrorism legislation is a just and valid exercise of that right of the state to protect itself and its people," Gamboa said.
The approval of the bill on third reading came just a day after it was approved on second reading. Congress dispensed with the three-day rule for measures certified by President Rodrigo Duterte as urgent.
Duterte earlier called for the immediate passage of the bill “to address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to adequately and effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts for the preservation of national security and the promotion of general welfare.” (With reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
