By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – United Nations mandate holders expressed deep concern on the terrorism and terrorist financing charges against 27 development workers of Cebu-based non-government organization Community Empowerment Resource Network Inc. (CERNET). The UN mandate holders wrote to the Philippine government on Aug. 29 and was made public on Nov. 15.…
“A disturbing pattern has emerged in the Philippines, where [professed] former members of designated ‘terrorist’ groups such as the (NPA), testify against individuals or organizations after their [surrender]. These testimonies often serve as the basis for charges.”
Bulatlat revisits the role of the government’s counterinsurgency plans in the increasing use of the terror financing law to quell and silence activists, critics, and development workers.
Four years after its enactment, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) has been used as a weapon against human rights defenders and non-government organizations. In this episode of Teka, Sandali, we explore how the ATA, alongside the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 is being wielded by the state to stifle dissent.
Four youth human rights defenders filed civil and criminal complaints against former 59th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ernesto Teneza Jr., 16 military officers, and five other witnesses before the Office of the Ombudsman on July 19.
Being falsely accused of terrorism financing, the operations of the civil societies are being paralyzed by the government, denying poor communities of much needed assistance and bringing them farther from the grasp of genuine development.
This news comes as a shock, as both individuals were unaware that complaints had been filed against them until a preliminary investigation resolution was released on April 8, recommending criminal charges.”
“If CERNET would stop, it is like putting an end to our organization.”