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Philippine protesters rally over controversial anti-terror bill

Published 06/12/2020, 05:43 PM
Updated 06/12/2020, 05:50 PM

MANILA, June 12 (Reuters) - More than 1,000 Filipinos on
Friday braved the threat of coronavirus infection to protest
against a controversial new anti-terrorism bill, which is
awaiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's signature.
The demonstration, spearheaded by anti-Duterte activists,
was held as the Philippines marked the 122nd anniversary of its
independence from Spanish rule.
Human rights activists have raised alarm over the bill
pushed by Duterte, warning of draconian and arbitrary
provisions, including arrest without warrants, that they say
could be abused to target his detractors. "It looks like we will lose our basic rights because of this
anti-terrorism bill, especially our right to express our
concerns with the government," said Ofelia Cantor, one of the
more than 1,000 protesters at the University of the Philippines'
main campus in the capital Manila.
Wearing face masks and observing physical distancing to
protect themselves from the coronavirus, the protesters held
placards and chanted slogans such as "Junk terror bill!" and
"Activists not terrorists!".
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque has defended the bill,
saying elements were modelled on those used in countries that
had dealt effectively with extremism.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he had instructed the
police to exercise maximum tolerance while monitoring the
protesters, even as he warned mass gatherings are prohibited
under the country's coronavirus quarantine rules.

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