Republic Act (RA) 11479, or the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” takes effect today, Saturday, and not on Sunday as previously announced, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said on Friday, further alarming critics who are concerned that authorities might abuse it and curb dissent. “We rectify our earlier statement that the law will take effect after the 15th day, or on July 19. “Considering that the law was published on July 3, it will take effect on July 18, which is the 15th day. The law empowers authorities to arrest without a warrant people they deem as terrorists and detain them without charges for 14 days, among others. The nun claimed that the Anti-Terrorism Act is no different from China’s National Security Law, saying both target government critics, even in other countries.

Source: Manila Times July 17, 2020 16:30 UTC