A security expert believes the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is behind the recent bombing incidents in Jolo, Sulu.
Political scientist and security analyst Prof. Rommel Banlaoi said the explosions are an act of terrorism and terrorists have taken advantage of the health emergency to spread terror.
“Because the attention of law enforcement authorities is divided, countering terrorism and countering the pandemic, kaya nga (that’s why) right now, we are experiencing two pandemics, the COVID-19 pandemic and the pandemic of terrorism,” Banlaoi rationalized.
He further explained that the need for the continuous implementation of the Anti-Terror Law which is currently being questioned at the Supreme Court has become stronger. The capacity of authorities has now been strengthened to go after terrorists, their financiers and recruiters through the stricter provisions of the law in countering terrorism.
“Ang kagandahan sa batas po natin ngayon… ina-acknowledge niya iyong (What is great in the new law is it acknowledges the) need to pursue comprehensive approach particularly the issue of countering and preventing violent extremism,” he stated.
The opinion of the expert was also pointed out in the argument of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) in its supplementary comment submitted to the Supreme Court (SC). It stated that several groups in the Philippines have declared support to the ISIS since 2014. The Jolo Cathedral, Isulan, and Indanan blasts should not be set aside as they are proofs of active terrorism in the country.
The OSG emphasized that the Anti-Terror Law does not violate the Constitution and was instead passed to address the country’s need for stricter laws on national security.
The argument continued that there is no basis to claim that the new law violates the right to privacy since wiretapping will only be allowed with the blessing of the Court of Appeals (CA) and if there is probable cause to suspect an individual or group as terrorists. It reiterated that such law does not go against freedom of speech. Only individuals with participation in planning and conduct of extremist activities will be sanctioned.
Meanwhile, Banlaoi assured the public who have doubts on the law that it will not be used “against the people.” – Report from Kenneth Paciente
