MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 05 Jul) – Filipino defense and military officials on Thursday allayed fears that the anti-terrorism law will be used to spy on journalists who are critical of the Arroyo government.
Defense Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor assured the rights not only of the journalists, but every law abiding citizens. Journalists groups expressed alarm after justice officials said the law, which will take effect July 15, can be used to tap into phones of journalists who are suspected of aiding a terrorist.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said there is enough protection for everybody under the anti-terrorism law or the Human Security Act of 2007.
He said the target of the law is the terror groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf or the New People’s Army and not the media.
"Well if it's called for, but no, this is not wiretapping of the media, but wiretapping of probable terror suspects," Esperon said. "The anti-terrorism law is not about wiretapping, it is about neutralizing would be terrorists and that should be for the good of all of us."
Human rights groups are opposing the implementation of the law, saying, it threatens the basic rights of citizens and could be used by the government to spy on innocent victims for political gains. (Juley Reyes)
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