In a virtual press briefing on Aug. 3, newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay suggested a new provision to be included on the anti-terror law.
The AFP chief said that he wants the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the anti-terror law to include specific provisions on regulating social media use. He reasoned that it is because “terrorists” have been utilizing these online platforms as channels to act against the government.
“We will be providing some inputs on countering violent extremism and likewise maybe even regulating social media. This is the platform now being used by the terrorists to radicalize and even plan terrorist acts,” said Gapay.
Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana & newly-installed AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay hold virtual press briefing after turnover rites. | @jiandradeINQ pic.twitter.com/15iJKNuwTk
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 3, 2020
“That’s why we need to have specific provisions in the IRR pertaining to regulating the use of social media,” he added. “We will capitalize on this very, very good anti-terror law. It is comprehensive, it is proactive…… Pinaplano pa lang nila, ma-stop na natin,” said the AFP chief as well.
Along with this, the new AFP chief of staff also said that the materials used in manufacturing improvised explosive devices must be regulated. He also suggested a stronger intelligence sharing between AFP and its foreign counterparts regarding terrorism, which he sees as a global problem.
Formally taking oath today as former General Felimon Santos Jr. hits the compulsory retirement age, Gapay said that AFP will be prioritizing the implementation of both President Duterte’s order on ending the local communist armed conflict and the controversial anti-terror law.
Header photo by dole777 on Unsplash
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