Human Security Act
The Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372) is a Philippine law that took effect on February 8, 2007. This law is one of the most primary anti-terrorism law that brings the Philippines in line with its Southeast Asian neighbors battling Islamist militants. It is aimed at tackling militants in the southern Philippines.
The law defines terrorism a crime by describing, "causes widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace" and allows authorities to arrest terror suspects without warrants and temporarily detain them without charges. Under the law, detained terrorists are entitled to see a lawyer, a priest, a doctor, or family members.
Background
The Anti-Terror Bill was first filed in congress by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in 1996.
The final version was crafted with amendments by Senators Manny Villar and Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.. These revisions introduced several amendments and safeguards that have caused the law to be called "toothless" and "watered down". It was ratified by the Senate on February 8, then approved by the House of Representatives during a special session two weeks later on February 19, 2007. It was later signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 6. It took effect on July 15, 2007.