Human Security Act
| Human Security Act of 2007 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| An Act to secure the state and protect our people from terrorism | |
| Citation | Republic Act No. 10354 |
| Territorial extent | Philippines |
| Enacted by | Congress of the Philippines |
| Date enacted | February 8, 2007 |
| Date signed | July 15, 2007 |
| Keywords | |
| terrorism, anti-terrorism legislation | |
| Status: In force | |
The Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372) is a Philippine law that took effect on February 8, 2007. This law is one of the most primary anti-terrorism law that brings the Philippines in line with its Southeast Asian neighbors battling Islamist militants. It is aimed at tackling militants in the southern Philippines.
The law defines terrorism a crime by describing, "causes widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace" and allows authorities to arrest terror suspects without warrants and temporarily detain them without charges. Under the law, detained terrorists are entitled to see a lawyer, a priest, a doctor, or family members.
The Anti-Terror Bill was first filed in congress by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in 1996.
The final version was crafted with amendments by Senators Manny Villar and Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.. These revisions introduced several amendments and safeguards that have caused the law to be called "toothless" and "watered down". It was ratified by the Senate on February 8, then approved by the House of Representatives during a special session two weeks later on February 19, 2007. It was later signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 6. It took effect on July 15, 2007.
The Philippines had long been urged by the United States and other Western countries to bring in stricter anti-terror legislation, citing the presence of al Qaeda-linked extremists who have been blamed for bombings, beheadings, and kidnappings.
1. The State recognizes that the fight against terrorism requires a comprehensive approach, comprising political, economic, diplomatic, military, and legal means duly taking into account the root causes of terrorism without acknowledging these as justification for terrorist and/or criminal activities. Such measures shall include conflict management and post-conflict peace-building, addressing the roots of conflict by building state capacity and promoting equitable economic development. This statement elucidates that the Philippines government has realized that a strict military approach cannot be adequate solution when dealing with terrorist groups. In this sense, the Philippines government has decided to adopt a broader and more comprehensive approach rather than only applicating a military approach.
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