Lawmakers urged to prioritize bill seeking changes in anti-terror law

By Rachelle M. Nessia

Thursday 26th of July 2012

CEBU CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- Malacañang is pushing Congress to prioritize measures that seek to amend the Human Security Act of 2007, to boost the government’s drive against terrorism,

During the 7th ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Cebu City on Wednesday, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. told participants that the Executive Branch has asked lawmakers to prioritize a proposed bill that seeks to amend the anti-terror law as part of its global commitment to counter terrorism.

“The goal of these amendments is to strengthen the law so that it can be used as a tool by law enforcement agencies to thwart terrorism,” Ochoa said.

He stressed the need for continued vigilance worldwide because the threats of terrorism remain real despite the waning capability of terror organizations and decreasing number of militants.

In line with the Aquino government’s contribution to the global response to the terror threats, Ochoa said Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III signed two laws last week, namely: An Act to Further Strengthen the Anti-Money Law and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

Said laws are seen to intensify domestic capability in identifying and preventing financial transactions related to illegal activities, including those that undermine global security.

To complement these initiatives, the government put in place a three-pronged strategy to combat terrorism within Philippine borders, namely: a)effective law enforcement by strengthening the regulatory regimes for firearms and explosives and financing terrorism, and the arrest and neutralization of the human tools or perpetrators behind terrorist acts; b) stronger institutional mechanisms and enhanced capabilities of law enforcement agencies and security agencies, and active participation in international cooperation against terrorism; and c) de-radicalization or counter-radicalization of the intent to commit terror acts by addressing poverty and poor education, which are considered roots of the problem.

“In these initiatives, you are guaranteed of the support of our President who recognizes the importance of addressing the threat of terrorism and is aware that a holistic approach to the problem will produce positive results,” Ochoa said.

He also lauded Japan and the ASEAN member-states for taking the lead in organizing the dialogue on counter-terrorism, which he said is crucial to improving counter terrorism capacity.

“Without a doubt, all of the nation-states here possess the political will to defeat terrorism; all of us want to secure borders and ensure the safety of our people, ” Ochoa said. (PIA-7/CEBU)