The Department of National Defense (DND) has defended the “Anti-Terrorism” bill against criticisms.
Several quarters are opposing the proposed law as this may lead to abuse of human rights. However, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana countered that the criticisms have no basis.
“Iyon namang karapatan ng mga tao ay may sapat na provisions. At saka iyong mga law enforcement agencies ay may sapat ding kaparusahan sa mga nag-aabuso. (There are enough provisions on human rights and law enforcement agencies may impose fair punishment for those who will abuse [human rights].) ”
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said that it is “timely” for this kind of bill to be passed especially when the leftist group has been sabotaging the programs of the government.
Sec. Año and Sec. Lorenzana have mutually assured that the only goal of the bill is to suppress the lingering problem of terrorism in the Philippines.
Report from Bea Bernardo
