Saturday, October 06, 2007 Civil society groups, lawyers convene to tackle Human Security Act By Grace L. Plata
CIVIL society organizations and lawyers based in Davao City are set to converge in a forum to discuss Republic Act 9372, otherwise known as the Human Security Act of 2007.
Organized by the Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (Afrim), in partnership with the Alternative Law Group (ALG), the forum aims to provide a venue for civil society organizations to discuss and review the soundness of the law.
"The crime of terrorism under the Human Security Act includes piracy in general or mutiny in high seas; rebellion or insurrection; coup d'etat, including acts committed by private persons; murder; kidnapping and serious illegal detention; and crimes involving destruction such as arson. What is not clear about RA 9372 is the vagueness of the definition of 'terrorism,' which makes it open to misuse and abuse. It effectively gives blanket power to the State to persecute political dissenters and opponents. It allows for warrant-less arrests even on the basis of suspected threat alone," said Venus Betita, of the Peace-building, Information and Education Services (Pies) of Afrim.
Participants of the forum will discuss related issues such as the essence of human security as defined by Moro and indigenous peoples in relation to their struggle for self-determination and ancestral domain.
Other points that the groups are expected to discuss include the implications of HSA to the preservation and protection human rights and to the peace-building initiatives and the ongoing Philippine government-MILF peace process.
ALG earlier issued statements opposing the law, saying it is worse than Martial Law and that it victimizes the common folk who do not have the capacity to assert and protect their rights.
Among the speakers are Attorney Raissa Jajurie of Saligan-Mindanao/Alternative Law Group, Sammy Buat of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Apo Marshall Daul of Panaghoy, Myla Leguro of the Catholic Relief Services, and Attorney Mary Ann Arnado of the Initiatives for International Dialogue.
The forum will be held on October 8, 1:30 to 5 p.m. at UP Mindanao on Anda St., Davao City.
