When the Human Security Act of 2007
was signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, many have
criticized it for its alleged overbroad provisions and violation of human rights
standards. More specifically, there are those that assail the provision
allowing warrantless arrests for those suspected of the crime of terrorism. [1]
Eight (8) years later, we may be able to use the law for the country’s
advantage especially with the growing threats and news reports of terrorism
over the past few years. The challenges for our law enforcers would be: (1) not
to abuse the law in justifying arbitrary arrests; and, (2) to make use of the
law by being vigilant in apprehending possible suspects of terrorism.
During the latter months of 2014, news have spread that the Islamic
State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist groups are “gaining ground in the
Philippines, particularly among extremist groups in Mindanao.”[2]
(In relation to the Bangsamoro Basic Law, this must also be a vital
consideration amongst those pushing for the autonomy in the said region, i.e.,
that it would not be a breeding ground for terrorists). Even if the United Nations
announced that they do no find evidence to detect ISIS presence in the country,[3]
other groups (e.g., ISIS Study Watch) strongly believe that there are; especially
with reports that Musa Cerantonio (one of the most influential jihadist
“inspirations”) was spotted in Manila, Cebu, and Zamboanga, recruiting and
urging people to join the jihad in Syria and Iraq.[4]
In any case, the possibility of terrorism attacks in the different parts of the
Philippines is increasing. Thus, the vigilance of the Philippine government
must increase with it.
Moreover, the ISIS claims terrorism
in the name of religion. In one of their threats they announced that they will “transform
America into a Muslim province.”[5]
Assuming that they plan to do the same for all countries that they infiltrate,
this may involve grave threats and coercion penalized under our Revised Penal
Code but interestingly not enumerated as one of the crimes punished under the
Human Security Act.[6]
This may also involve violations of our freedom of religion protected under our
Constitution.[7] Whatever
the possibilities are involving ISIS, the Philippines must be ready to prevent
blood baths to happen here seeing that it is already happening in other parts
of the world.
[1] Sect.
18, Republic Act No. 9372, “Human Security Act of 2007”, March 6, 2007
[2]
Diola, C. “Islamic popularity growing in the Philippines”, Philippine Star, October
2, 2014, http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/10/02/1375654/islamic-state-popularity-growing-philippines
[3] “UN
Official: No evidence of ISIS in the Philippines” Rappler, December 14, 2014, http://www.rappler.com/nation/78030-united-nations-officials-no-evidence-isis-philippines
[4]
Ressa, M.A. “ISIS online cheerleader Musa Cerantonio spotted in PH”, Rappler, June
21, 2014, http://www.rappler.com/nation/61200-isis-online-cheerleader-musa-cerantonio-ph
[5]
Dearden, L. “Isis threatens to behead Barack Obama and 'transform America into
a Muslim province'”, The Indpendent, January 28, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-threatens-to-behead-barack-obama-and-transform-america-into-a-muslim-province-10008930.html
[6]
Sect. 3, Republic Act No. 9372, “Human Security Act of 2007”, March 6, 2007
[7]
Art. III, Sect.5, 1987 Constitution
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