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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lumad students, teachers urge SC to junk anti-terror law

Lumad students, teachers urge SC to junk anti-terror law

Published Feb 3, 2021 08:11 am

Two indigenous peoples organizations urged the Supreme Court to uphold the people's rights by junking the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020.

(Photo courtesy of Save Our Schools Network)

In a joint statement, Save Our Schools Network (SOSN) and Sabokahan Unity of Lumad Women said that, since July 2020, the lumad, Moro, and other national minority individuals and organizations have been filing petitions to question the constitutionality of the anti-terror law.

The groups added that the anti-terror law targets indigenous peoples and their advocates, citing the arrest of two Aeta evacuees Japer Gurung and Junior Ramos, who were both falsely charged with "terrorism" in November 2020.

Arms and explosives were allegedly seized from Gurung and Ramos.

"Since the implementation of anti-terror law, we have seen heightened attacks against individuals, organizations, and schools that are committed to empowering Lumad youth to defend their ancestral lands. It is the government's association between 'terrorism' and environmental and education advocacy that forces us to fear for our students' and fellow teachers' security," Lumad school volunteer teacher Rose Hayahay said.

Sabokah Chairperson Lorena Mandacawan, meanwhile, feared that the anti-terror law will be used to threaten lumads.

"In defense of the rights of all Filipinos, we must pressure the Supreme Court to hold true to their mandate to carry out justice and to uphold the constitution! We join the Lumad in their call: Junk the Terror Law!" the joint statement read.

The SC on Tuesday began the oral arguments for the 37 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the anti-terror bill.

Seven lawyers argued for the petitioners. Among them are former Solicitor General Jose Anselmo Cadiz, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares, Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) chairman Jose Manuel "Chel" Diokno, Alfredo Molo III, Evalyn Ursua, and Algamar Latiph.

Oral arguments will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

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