REPEAL SOUGHT FOR ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OVER ALLEGED RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Human rights group Karapatan said 256 individuals have been victimized under the Anti-Terrorism Act and related laws since the measure was enacted in 2020.

During a protest outside the Department of Justice, Karapatan and other groups renewed calls to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act, claiming the laws are being used to silence critics and activists.

The group reported that 222 individuals were allegedly falsely charged under the laws, with 25 currently detained, while 37 others were tagged as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

Karapatan also cited the cases of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and lay worker Marielle Domequil, who were convicted of terrorism financing despite a Court of Appeals ruling that found no evidence linking them to suspicious financial activities.

The Anti-Terrorism Act was signed into law in 2020 by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Source: PhilNews24 | July 6, 2026