Philippine bishops express concern over abuses in anti-terrorism bill

Published: 2007-03-01

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- Bishops in the Philippines have expressed concern over potential human rights violations which could result from an anti-terrorism bill. Bishop Martin Jumoad of Isabela said that, although he is "glad" the Human Security Act was passed by Congress, an independent body is needed to avoid such violations. "There should be another body of civil society that will evaluate or analyze the implementation," he told UCA News, an Asian church news agency, Feb. 28. However, he said, the bill could stabilize peace and order in his prelature on Basilan, an island-province. The Abu Sayyaf guerrillas, who have been blamed for bombings, kidnappings and killings in the southern region, have camps there. The House of Representatives passed the bill Feb. 19 after the Senate had passed it 11 days earlier. If President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signs the bill into law, authorities may detain suspects for three days without a court warrant and without filing formal charges. People "wrongly arrested" or detained as terrorism suspects would be entitled to compensation of up to $10,300 a day.

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