MANILA – As nationwide opposition to the proposed law against terrorism is mounting, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that it will undertake institutional measures to prevent it from being abused by those in authorities.
Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson said during a live interview on Sunday monitored by Sandigan News and Banat Pilipinas News that they already planned for a widespread information campaign and training on the said bill when it passes into law.
“Ang PNP po ay magsasagawa ng mga pagsasanay, mga information campaign, kasama natin ang PNP Human Rights Affairs Office para ipaalam ang lahat na probisyon nito at hindi magkaruon ng mga puwang na ito ay maabuso,” (The PNP will undertake training and information campaign, together with the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office to inform them of all provisions of the law to avoid chances that it will be used for abuse,” Gen. Banac said.
The 18th congress is yet to submit the approved bill dubbed as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 to Malacañang for the president’s signature. Before the adjournment of congress on June 4, the lower house adopted and senate version of the bill principally authored by Senator Panfilo “Peng” Lacson, a few days after being certified urgent by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Dissuading the fears of the people that the law will be used against internal dissent and those who opposed the administration, Banac said the bill has certain safeguards to avoid that to happen. “Alam natin na masusi itong pinag-aralan ng mga mambabatas at makakatiyak tayo na may mga safeguards upang hindi ito subject to abuse,” (We know that the bill has been thoroughly studied by lawmakers and we are sure there are safeguards so that it will not be subject to abuse), he continued.
Gen. Banac acknowledged the PNP’s challenge of balancing the rights of people and peace and order. “May terorismo at nais lang natin na maprotektahan ang bayan sa mga extreme groups kaya’t kailangan natin ang ganitong batas. Subalit tiyakin natin na mayruong safeguards para maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng taong bayan,” (There is terrorism going on and we only want to protect the country from extreme groups that is why we need this kind of law. However, we will ensure that there are safeguards to protect the rights of the people), Banac further said.
