MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) defended yesterday the decision of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to designate at least 29 individuals as “terrorists,” as it clarified that the designation does not warrant an arrest. Sugay explained that authorities can only arrest those identified as terrorists if they violate the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, or if a complaint was filed against them. He emphasized that “designation alone” is not enough to result in the arrest of the designated person. Under the law, Sugay said the concerned individuals designated as terrorists may exhaust legal remedies to question their designation, or file the necessary actions against the ATC seeking the setting aside of the designation or the resolution for designation against persons involved. He noted that most of the individuals named in the terrorist list already have existing warrants of arrest for previous cases.

Source: Philippine Star May 14, 2021 15:56 UTC