President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, July 3, signed into law a bill that seeks to fortify the Philippines’ anti-terrorism campaign just days before it was to automatically lapse into law.
The then enrolled bill was transmitted to Malacañang on June 9 for the president’s signature.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed the signing Friday afternoon.
Several groups and personalities have criticized the bill over its broad provisions that could be interpreted and used to violate human rights.
The hashtag #JunkTerrorBill trended for several weeks, showing the critics’ stances and loud opposition to the measure. Several groups have also launched signature campaigns calling for the scrapping of the bill.
The stricter anti-terror law comes as the Philippines continued efforts to stop terror activities by extremists.
