State terror labels could aid impunity — analysts

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE government’s rampant classification of people as terrorists could foster impunity and endanger ordinary citizens, political experts said at the weekend.

This comes after the Anti-Terrorism Council labeled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo A. Teves, Jr. and members of his armed group terrorists, months after the lawmaker went into hiding after the killing of a Philippine governor.

“The designation is a bit concerning since there is always a possibility that it can be politicized by the government,” Arjan P. Aguirre, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

The law could be abused and used against government critics, he said, adding that the Anti-Terrorism Council should be overseen by anti-terror experts instead of political appointees.

Justice spokesman Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said the government’s anti-terrorism efforts would not foster impunity and that the government would uphold the rule of law.

“The evil sought to be prevented is clear,” he said in a Viber message. “We do not want our fellow Filipinos living under fear and intimidation for a selfish purpose.”

Mr. Teves is suspected to have masterminded the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo, along with nine other people inside the late official’s house in Pamplona town in March.

The lawmaker, whom the House of Representatives has suspended, left the Philippines for the United States for a supposed stem cell therapy four days before the ex-governor and his companions were murdered on March 4.

The anti-terror agency also labeled his brother, ex-Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves, a political nemesis of Mr. Degamo, and Marvin H. Miranda, Mr. Teves’ alleged co-mastermind, terrorists.

Suspected gunmen facing murder complaints over the killing were also tagged as terrorists.

Fides M. Lim, convenor of human rights group Kapatid, said the government law allows it to serve as judge, jury and executioner at the same time.

“The designation Teves as a terrorist dramatizes yet again why the Anti-Terrorist law is a most dangerous law because it is a tool of vengeance and impunity — and muddleheadedness,” she said.

Mr. Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand S. Topacio earlier said they were not surprised by the government’s latest move, accusing the state of political harassment.

He said his client had been tagged the mastermind without investigation. Police searches in his properties were illegal, he added.

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement said the Anti-Terror law should have a more concrete definition of terrorism.

“The designation (of Mr. Teves) further confused the already vague definition of terrorism in the anti-terror law,” it said in a Twitter message. “The Supreme Court sadly upheld the law and now we are seeing the consequences of its implementation.”

Under the law, terrorism is committed by someone who kills or hurts another or someone who engages in acts intended to destroy government property, develops and manufactures weapons, and releases dangerous substances.

In April last year, the Supreme Court stood by its decision upholding the legality of the law that was passed in 2020 and the basis of the Anti-Terrorism Council’s creation.

The High Court in 2021 voided a provision of the law that said a protest could be considered terrorist if it seeks to cause death or physical harm, endanger a person’s life, or create a serious public safety risk. It said the provision was “overbroad and violative of freedom of expression.”

The tribunal also struck down a provision that allowed the council to adopt requests by other local and foreign entities to designate people and groups as terrorists.