Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) giving a speech to troopers during his visit to the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City, southern Philippines, on Friday, July 3, 2020. The Philippine president on Friday signed a widely opposed anti-terror law which critics fear could be used against human rights defenders and to muzzle dissent. - AP
Manila, July 4 (AFP): Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed a contentious anti-terrorism bill into law Friday (July 3) that critics fear will be used to silence dissent and give the government a new weapon to target opponents.
The legislation, which was approved by Congress last month and has been criticised by rights groups, enables Duterte to appoint a council that could order warrantless arrests of people it deems are terrorists.
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