MANILA – There is no need for martial law declaration in Jolo, Sulu, according to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, he said, is already in effect with or without the implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
Sotto made the statement on Thursday after Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier said that the police force cannot enforce the law in the absence of an IRR.
“Attention PNP: The Anti-Terror Law is in effect, with or without IRR!” Sotto wrote on his Twitter account. “Ano hinihintay nila? Pasko?”
Gamboa earlier said he supports the call to declare martial law in Sulu following the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu that killed 11 people and wounded 24 others.
“Many are saying there are provisions of the anti-terror law that are already executory and do not require the IRR but nevertheless we still have to study this and [find out] what these [provisions] are so that this will be part of the [police] training,” Gamboa said.
Under the law, persons who shall threaten to commit terrorism, and those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.
Suspected persons can be detained for 14 days without a warrant of arrest with an allowable 10-day extension. A 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists can also be conducted by the police or the military, with an allowable 30-day extension./PN
