- How long has the problem, issue or injustice been with us?

- How has it changed through the years?

- Does anyone benefit from the present situation?

- Who suffers?

It is stated in the Section 2 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, that this declared policy of the
State aims to protect life, liberty, and property against terrorism, to condemn terrorism as a
threat to national security and people’s welfare, and to make terrorism a crime against the
Filipino people, against humanity, and against the Law of Nations. In the declaration of policy, it
is to say that the Act is directed for the protection of the Filipinos and the country from terrorism
activities proclaimed in the said Act, including, engagements that endangers people’s life and
causes extensive damage to properties and development of arms and explosions when the
purpose is to spread message of fear. With regards to the current situation of the nation,
experiencing multiple terrorism stunts and threats in the middle of a pandemic, this new law
gives a strengthened advantage towards the government and its anti-terrorism council to tag
groups and individuals that commit terrorism acts and even those who are allegedly involved in
such schemes. Through this law they have the upper hand which allows suspects to be
detained without a judicial warrant of arrest for 14 days that can be extended for 10 more days,
and placed under surveillance for 60 days which also permits 30 days of extension, by the
police or military. Hence, here comes the issue

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, is directed for the protection of the Filipinos and the country
from terrorism activities proclaimed in the said Republic Act, including, engagements that
endangers people’s life and causes extensive damage to properties and development of arms
and explosions when the purpose is to spread message of fear. With regards to the current
situation of the nation, experiencing multiple terrorism stunts and threats in the middle of a
pandemic, this new law gives a strengthened advantage towards the government and its anti-
terrorism council to tag groups and individuals that commit terrorism acts and even those who
are allegedly involved in such schemes. However, here comes an underlying issue which is the
plausible abuse of this law that immensely affects the society, especially the ones who are
wrongly accused as terrorists. They would suffer from authorized warrantless arrests, detention
for up to 24 days, and 60 to 90 days of under surveillance if labeled as suspects of terrorism.

What are the root causes that are most responsible for the current situation?
The Anti-Terror Law triggered fear on human rights instead of securing safety and protection to
the State and the citizens. It ended up causing more terror because the government regarded
the bill as “urgent”, hence, immediately signed and imposed, despite being condemned by
critics and rights activists. It should have gone through more comprehensive rulings and multiple
evaluations to arrive with specific provisions that the country needs to combat terrorism.