Farmers Demand Repeal of Anti-Terrorism Act Now
MANILA, Philippines — As the Anti-Terrorism Act marks its fifth year, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has urged newly elected officials to prioritize bills repealing this controversial law. The farmers’ group emphasized that the rural communities are still facing harsh consequences under the current legislation.
KMP joined human rights organizations, including Karapatan, in staging a protest outside the Department of Justice. They denounced the use of the Anti-Terror Law as a weapon against farmers and rural poor, calling again for its immediate abolition. “We challenge these [newly elected] legislators, especially those who ran on platforms of human rights, democracy, and reform—to uphold their commitments by filing and supporting bills that will abolish this repressive law,” the group declared.
“The Filipino people, particularly the farmers and rural poor, are watching and demanding concrete action,” the statement added.
Human Rights Violations Persist in Rural Areas
The KMP highlighted that the rural population has seen a rise in human rights abuses linked to the Anti-Terrorism Act. These include widespread red-tagging and unlawful arrests. The group pointed out that government counter-insurgency operations, led by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, have resulted in military occupation of farmlands. This has displaced hundreds of families, interrupted agricultural work, and instilled fear among communities peacefully advocating for land rights, justice, and livelihoods.
Moreover, the KMP condemned recent political persecution targeting their leaders. They reported the raid on the home of KMP secretary general Ronnie Manalo and the detention of members Cita Managuelod and Isabelo Adviento on charges stemming from the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
Calls for Justice and Genuine Land Reform
The group criticized the Anti-Terror Council for arbitrarily labeling individuals and organizations as “terrorists” without due process, effectively bypassing the courts and silencing legitimate dissent. KMP called for justice for victims of this “state-sponsored terror” and urged the government to implement genuine land reforms that would protect farmers’ rights and livelihoods.
As the Anti-Terrorism Act reaches its five-year mark, the message from farming communities is clear: repeal this law to uphold human rights and secure rural justice.
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