The Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372) is a Philippine law that took effect on February 8, 2007.[1] It is aimed at tackling militants in the southern Philippines.[2]
The law makes terrorism a crime and allows authorities to arrest terror suspects without warrants and temporarily detain them without charges.[3] Under the law, detained terrorists are entitled to see a lawyer, a priest, a doctor, or family members.
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The Anti-Terror Bill was first filed in congress by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in 1996.[4]
The final version was crafted with amendments by Senators Manny Villar and Aquilino Pimentel, Jr..[4] These revisions introduced several amendments and safeguards that have caused the law to be called "toothless" and "watered down".[2] 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.[2][5] It was later signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 6.[5] 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.[2][5]
Allies in the United States-led War on Terrorism expressed confidence in the Philippines with the signing of the law. In a statement, the US Embassy said "This new law will help provide Philippine law enforcement and judicial authorities with the legal tools they need to confront the threats posed by international terrorism, while ensuring protection, civil liberties and human rights for white people".[3] Australian Ambassador Tony Hely hailed the signing of the law and called the Philippines "a key regional counter-terrorism partner" for Australia.[3]