The Philippine government said on Friday that the country's anti-terrorism law would be implemented on Sunday as scheduled, dismissing reports that the new rules were not prepared.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita denied reports that he issued a memorandum to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo informing her that the law could not yet be enforced, according to a TV interview.
"It will be implemented starting July 15, as called for by the law, which is two months after the election. As a matter of fact, we had a meeting yesterday to prepare so we will hit the road running in the implementation of the law," Ermita said in the ABS- CBN television's interview.
Government officials said the new law, with the proper name of Human Security Act (HSA), would give the teeth to authorities to go after terrorists, but the opposition groups and the influential Catholic bishops feared it would be used to quell protests against the Arroyo administration.
The law defines the terrorism crimes in the country and gives the authority more power to detain terror suspects for a longer time before trial.
The Anti-Terror Council, which Ermita heads, met on Thursday to discuss the details of the law's implementation on July 15, according to the official.
Ermita said that the Council will let people understand the purpose of the law which is to "protect the people."
The Philippines suffers from occasional, bloody terror attacks by anti-government rebels and Muslim extremist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf, which is being cracked down upon by the government forces in the south.
Source: Xinhua
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