Thursday, July 05, 2007 Deferment of anti-terror law will not stop protests By Ben O. Tesiorna
MILITANT groups will not shelve any protest action against the Human Security Act (HSA), more commonly referred to as the anti-terrorism law, despite plans of Malacañang to defer its implementation due to lack of implementing rules and regulations.
On Wednesday, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) held their protest action at the city's Freedom Park. The group said they will hold more street protests until the Arroyo government decides to stop and not just defer the implementation of the controversial anti-terror law.
Militant groups and other civic groups are opposing the implementation of the said law for fear that basic rights of the people would be violated in the guise of running after terrorists.
No less than Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales admitted with the implementation of the Has, the secretary of justice can order the wiretapping of any media outlet or personalities.
Before its full implementation, the government will first hold the Mindanao Peace and Security Summit on July 8-10 in Cagayan de Oro City where no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo attending.
Another requirement that the HSA or Republic Act No. 9372, "An Act to Secure the State and Protect our People from Terrorism," has yet to meet is publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The anti-terrorism council, which is tasked with supervising the implementation of the law, including the formulation of the IRR, has also not yet convened. Officials said the implementation of RA 9372 would depend on how fast the council could carry out the directives provided by law.
