NOT TO TERRORIZE. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa says the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 “will not terrorize” Filipinos. In an interview with reporters in Davao City on Thursday (June 11, 2020), the senator maintained that the bill's primary objective is to protect the Filipino people from violence. (PNA photo by Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo)
DAVAO CITY – Senator Ronald "Bato" del Rosa said Thursday the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 "will not terrorize Filipinos" as it was crafted to prevent terrorists from sowing violence in the country.
Dela Rosa, who co-authored the bill, said citizens "who are not engaged in helping or supporting terrorist groups" should not fear the approval of the bill.
“It is very simple: If you are a law-abiding citizen and condemn terrorism, you will rejoice when this bill is signed into law. But if you are a terrorist or a supporter, you should fear this law,” he said during an interview on the sidelines of the Police Regional Office Region 11 (Davao region) activity here Thursday.
Dela Rosa also urged Filipinos who are opposed to the measure "to read and understand its context to avoid being misinformed."
“You can access it on Google. If there is something that you do not understand, call me,” he added.
Dela Rosa said only the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and its fronts would be "the most affected organizations" should the bill be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“They know it would hit them hard, that’s why they are against this bill. They have done all disinformation campaign for the people to be afraid,” he said.
Dela Rosa also clarified that groups or organizations conducting rallies, protests, or mass actions would not be arrested and considered as terrorists.
“They (leftist) said that if you conducted rally or protest, you will be arrested because of the bill. It’s a lie. So it’s very clear that even if you keep on shouting that you do not like the government, you will not be arrested and there’s nothing to be afraid of,” he said, adding that both Congress and the national government are "striving hard" to raise awareness on the bill. (PNA)
