Palace seeks changes to Human Security Act

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said there is a need to strengthen the Philippine Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007 and make it consistent with international agreements and Philippine laws. "After reviewing our counter-terrorism initiatives, we decided to focus on strengthening anti-terror legislation to make it more responsive to the threats posed by terrorists," Ochoa said in a statement. Ochoa, who also chairs the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), on Saturday, sought amendments to boost the government's anti-terrorism initiatives, strengthen prosecution of suspected terrorists, and address possible abuse of the law by authorities. President Aquino had asked the Congress to include the bill proposing the needed amendments to the HSA in their legislative priorities this year. One of the proposed amendments is to define terrorism as acts punishable under certain provisions of the Revised Penal Code "with the intent, by its nature or context, to either sow and create a condition of fear and panic among the populace, or to coerce the government or an institution imbued with public interest to give in to certain demands." Under the law, terrorism is punishable by 40 years' imprisonment without parole. Ochoa said some sections of the HSA that require authorities to inform suspected terrorists that they are under surveillance must be removed. "These provisions defeat the whole purpose of covert surveillance and investigations by the authorities. We want them amended to make our law a more effective tool in our efforts to prevent terrorism," he said. Rights guarantees, anti-abuse provisions Ochoa also urged Congress to consider modifying monetary returns that a suspected terrorist vindicated by maltreatment or a court can claim, given that these are "over and above the amounts provided in any other existing laws." But the Executive Secretary said amendments must also be made to guarantee the rights of suspected terrorists. The ATC suggested that a person suspected of terrorism must be assured of counsel at any time of the day, and for foreign nationals, the right to communicate with a representative of his or her state. The council also proposed that law enforcement agents conducting investigations report to their respective CA divisions within 30 days, to allow the assessment of legitimacy of the operations. "We believe that ensuring the security of our citizens should not come at the expense of their civil liberties," Ochoa said. — RJMD/ELR, GMA News