PNP also worried about Human Security Act

Philippine National Police (PNP) officials yesterday expressed apprehension in implementing the Human Security Act of 2007 or the anti-terror law, saying they could face penalties or have their assets ordered frozen if they arrest the wrong people.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon said most of his regional directors have misgivings about the law because all the articles will require a penalty in case it is wrongly interpreted.

“My policemen have raised their apprehensions so we are looking for ways to implement this (HSA),” said Calderon, who presided over a top-level command conference at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday.

During the command conference, Calderon said he asked PNP unit commanders about what they thought of Republic Act No. 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.

The PNP is conducting an information campaign on the HSA.

“I am satisfied to note that our Police Regional Offices and National Support Units are implementing a communication plan to widen awareness and understanding of the new law that the PNP will enforce,” Calderon added.

He said the information campaign was jumpstarted by a symposium held last week at the National Headquarters and is now being passed on to the provincial and station levels, and disseminated to all units and personnel down the line.

“Our objective here is to leave no room for misinterpretation of the new law that will decisively address acts of terrorism in all fronts. There are several interpretations of the law,” Calderon added.

Amid apprehensions on the new law, he reiterated to his men to use instead at least 11 existing laws against criminals, including murder, arson, and kidnapping, among others.

“Since this is already a law, we have to implement the law,” said Calderon, who earlier called on the public to “give the law a chance to be implemented.”

The HSA defines terrorism as acts of “sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give (in) to an unlawful demand.” Violators face imprisonment of up to 40 years.

Under the new law, the crime of terrorism includes piracy in general or mutiny in high seas; rebellion or insurrection; coup d’etat, including acts committed by private persons; murder; kidnapping and serious illegal detention; and crimes involving destruction such as arson.

The crime of terrorism is punishable by 40 years imprisonment without benefit of parole.