The Anti-Terror Law, officially known as the Anti-Terrorism Act 2020, or Republic Act No. 11479, is a new Philippine law replacing the Human Security Act of 2007. The Duterte government says that the Act is meant to “prevent, prohibit and penalize terrorism.” In reality the Act allows the Philippine government to exercise extreme powers to target individuals and groups at their own discretion, under an overly broad definition of “terrorism” that infringes on our human rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly.

The law will have a chilling effect on all forms of dissent and will paint a target on anyone who dares criticize the Duterte regime, including activists, organizers, Indigenous land defenders, environmental advocates, faith leaders, progressive politicians, outspoken students, community groups, and NGOs. It will affect anyone who cares about human rights in the Philippines, Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, whether inside or outside of the Philippines.