Palace sets 'official' launch of antiterror law Friday

After starting its implementation last Sunday, Malacañang will "formally" launch the landmark anti-terrorism law in "emotion-filled" ceremonies on Friday. The Human Security Act will turn the Philippines— regarded as a breeding ground for Islamic radicals — into hostile territory for militants and shield the public and the economy from terror attacks, officials said. The anti-terror law went into force Sunday, adding legal muscle to a U.S.-backed war against al-Qaeda-linked militants but ushering in what activists claim is an era of fear. In a statement, the Palace said Friday's ceremonies will recall the bloody terrorist attacks in the country, with survivors and other victims and their relatives in attendance. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Conrado Limcaoco Jr. announced the official launching of the HAS on the sidelight of the first public appearance of the members of the newly designated Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) Malacañang Premier Guest House. He said the Palace reset the official launch of the law to July 20 "in deference" to the July 16-17 summit on extra-judicial killings organized by the Supreme Court. Limcaoco said victims and survivors of terrorist attacks and their relatives will converge in Malacañang to mark the implementation of HAS. Members of Congress and the Senate who were instrumental in passing the law, members of the ATC, Cabinet secretaries and members of the diplomatic corps are expected to join the launching rites. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will deliver the keynote message. Victims of international terrorism, including Angelito Nayan and Angelito dela Cruz, have been invited to attend the Malacañang ceremony. Gracia Burnhman, widow of American evangelist Martin who was killed by his Abu Sayyaf kidnapers in the Sipadan hostage crisis, is expected to send a statement of support for the new law, Limcaoco said. Mrs. Burnham was one of the 11 persons of different nationalities abducted by Abu Sayyaf terrorists. A memorial service will be held at the Loyola Memorial Park at 7:30 a.m. at the common grave of the victims of the Super Ferry bombing in 2005. The ATC is headed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, as chairman; the secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) as vice chairman, and the secretaries of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the National Security Adviser as members. The support agencies of the ATC are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLAC).