Protest in Iloilo City Marks 5th Year of Anti-Terror Law

By Juliane Judilla

Progressive groups marked the fifth anniversary of the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL) on July 3 with a protest outside Jaro Cathedral, denouncing the measure as “draconian” and accusing it of enabling widespread human rights violations.

Signed in 2020 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, the ATL—officially the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020—was designed to replace the Human Security Act of 2007, which the military deemed outdated in addressing modern terrorism.

But human rights watchdog Karapatan reported that at least 227 individuals have been charged under the ATA and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act, allegedly based on “vague or patently baseless accusations.”

“Five years in, the Anti-Terror Law has only proven to be a weapon against the people,” said Arlie Bosque of Kabataan Party-list Panay.

“It targets activists, dissenters, and even humanitarian workers. It has fostered an environment of fear and repression, not safety,” they added.

The protestors cited multiple incidents they claim show the law’s abuse, including red-tagging, illegal arrests, trumped-up charges, surveillance and extrajudicial killings.

“It is very clear that the purpose of the Anti-Terror Law is to spread fear among the people, go after all activists and critics of the government, and eliminate democracy in the country,” said Lucy Francisco of Gabriela Alliance of Women–Panay and Guimaras.

They pointed to recent cases involving the Dayata sisters—two youth organizers allegedly surveilled by the military—and the detention of staff from the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) on terrorism financing charges.

The continued imprisonment of the so-called Tacloban 5, which includes a community journalist, was also cited as an example of the ATL’s alleged misuse.

In Congress, progressive lawmakers have filed House Bill 1272 to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

The bill was introduced by ACT Teachers Party-list and Kabataan Party-list at the opening of the 20th Congress.

Despite legal challenges filed since its enactment, the Supreme Court upheld most provisions of the law in 2021, sparking further public debate.

Activists are now pushing for legislative repeal, warning that the ATA remains a powerful tool for state repression.