Duterte’s Anti-Terror Act: Five years of terrorizing the people

It’s been five years since Rodrigo Duterte signed the sweeping fascist Anti-Terror Act (ATA) that effectively criminalized dissent and legalized political repression. Malaya Movement USA along with many other advocacy groups widely criticized the ATA for the dangers it posed to activists and human rights defenders who’d already been subjected to the Duterte regime’s relentless attacks. The ATA along with the Noynoy Aquino-era Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPSA) are used to target advocates and human rights defenders. 

The unconstitutional maneuvers of opportunist senators to dismiss Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial before it even begins are the latest shameful and absurd example of how corrupt the political system is in the Philippines. Laws are treated by the ruling political dynasties as if they are merely ‘optional’ rules that can be bent or disregarded at their whim, to serve their own selfish interests.

To Filipinos in the US, be alert of known criminal violators of human rights, Jeffrey Celiz and Royina Garma, who in this moment are trying to escape accountability in the Philippines by seeking refuge in the US. Celiz is applying for political asylum in Canada.

Sign the letter: actionnetwork.org/forms/duterte-icc25

After years of violence, impunity and 30,000+ lives lost, Duterte’s ICC arrest is a critical step towards justice and accountability for the victims of Duterte’s war on drugs. His fascist rule left a lasting impact on Philippine society, and he and his murderous cronies must all be held to account for their crimes against the Filipino.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s move to restore himself as the mayor of Davao City, amid the public rivalry between the short-lived Uniteam, spells danger for Filipinos in the coming years. Given both dynasty’s penchant for political violence, Malaya Movement USA urges advocates, public personalities, and the rest of the electorate to be on guard and denounce this prelude to political warfare.