PPVR CARAGA LAUNCHES ANTI-TERRORISM LAW BROCHURES

PPVR Caraga launches antiterrorism law brochures

To enrich the people’s knowledge on the antterrorism law in the Philippines, the People Power Volunteer for Reform (PPVR) in the Caraga region held a regional launching of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 brochure in Visayan and Tagalog versions prior the national launch conducted on September 17.

was joined by representatives from government agencies, local government units, and individuals of different sectors.

In her opening remarks, Pamela Gracia AsisLayugan, project partner volunteer of the PPVR Caraga, cited the importance of translating the ATA in Tagalog and Visayan languages for the people to understand better the salient features of the law.

Layugan said the bedrock of the system is a well-informed citizenry capable of making good judgments, hence the need to simplify the provisions as contained in Republic Act No. 11479 for the Filipinos, especially the laypersons, to have a better grasp of the said law.

“While we are battling against the Covid-19 pandemic it’s also important to go back to the basics - the essentials of human rights,” she said.

The Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 Translation Project of the PPVR Caraga, together with Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, features the 20 frequently asked questions (FAQs).

The brochure is userfriendly, educational, and explains clearly the ATA that makes it understandable when read even by ordinary citizens.

Layugan said the crafting of these brochures corresponds to the efforts of building inclusivity by helping people understand better the ATA.

She briefly discussed the key sections of the brochure for participants to get a glimpse of its content during the virtual launch. The brochure provides a contextual understanding for all users; clarity in definitions; the penalties under ATA (curtailment and detention), etc.

According to Layugan, it simply tells why even ordinary people need to know about the ATA. “The details are pretty much laid out. However, it also calls for citizen’s action. We continue to encourage constructive dialogue and urge them to be vigilant and promote a just and peaceful society.

Meanwhile, Atty. Euvic Ferrer of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga underscored the importance of popularizing the AntiTerrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 (R.A. No. 11479)

“Popularization is best achieved when it is written in local language or vernacular. CHR is appreciative of the effort of translating the ATA into Tagalog and Visayan versions. This will be useful to the local communities as it will be available in a very accessible medium. The booklet is also very transparent in its objective of making the people understand the potential risk as a result of this law,” Atty. Ferrer said in his response and reactions on the relevance of the ATA brochure.

Concepcion Asis, PPVR Caraga regional chairperson, also thanked and acknowledged the significant contributions of the individuals behind the project especially the translators who shared their time and efforts in coming up with a very clear and comprehensible translation.

They are Lambert Ramirez, a freelance consultant for the Tagalog version of the brochure, and Feliciano Radana, PPVR project partner and volunteer and executive of the Luntiaw Mindanaw, Inc. for the Visayan version. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)