The Philippine National Police (PNP) assures human rights will not be abused amid objections to the proposed anti-terrorism bill which has become controversial due to fears of abuse of authorities.
PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Bernard Banac said their personnel are ready to comply with the provisions of the bill. An information campaign will be conducted among policemen once the bill is approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“Pag nagkaroon na siya ng mga implementation, kaagad ito ay idi-disseminate natin para po iisa lamang ang ating interpretation at ganoon na rin ang implementation (Once an implementation happens, it will immediately be disseminated so that there would be a single interpretation and implementation),” Banac disclosed.
The PNP expressed how it understands the concerns of the public on the bill and ensured that policemen who will abuse the law will face charges.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson BGen. Edgard Arevalo said that from what has been reported to him, “nothing in the enrolled bill to be sent to the President for his consideration adds any new power to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”
He added that the military will not release any comments on the matter until it becomes a law.
Malacaῆang earlier stated the anti-terrorism bill would still undergo final review to determine if there are provisions that violate the Constitution even if it was certified as urgent by President Duterte. – Report from Bea Bernardo
