Duterte signs controversial Philippine anti-terror bill into law

Move strengthens fight against insurgencies but comes amid widespread opposition

20200703 Phippines protests terror bill

Hundreds of Filipinos march in Quezon City on June 4, urging Philippine legislators to scrap an anti-terror bill that human rights activists fear could be used to suppress free speech and harass those who challenge President Rodrigo Duterte. © Reuters

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday signed into law a contentious anti-terrorism measure despite mounting opposition and fears that it targets critics of the government.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte and his legal team had weighed up the concerns from different groups before the bill was signed. The law takes effect 15 days after publication.

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