# Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019: Key Provisions and Amendments This document outlines key amendments to Republic Act No. 9372 (Human Security Act), now known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019. The amendments significantly redefine terrorism, expand surveillance powers, and introduce stricter penalties. ## Section 1: Short Title The Human Security Act is now officially titled the "Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019." This section simply renames the Act. ## Section 2: Declaration of Policy The State's commitment to protecting life, liberty, and property from terrorism is reaffirmed, while upholding constitutional rights. The State's policy is to protect against terrorism while respecting human rights. A comprehensive approach, including political, economic, diplomatic, military, and legal means, is emphasized. However, this does *not* justify terrorist activities. The executive branch's powers remain intact, but their exercise must respect human rights. ## Section 3: Definition of Terms This section provides crucial definitions used throughout the Act. ### (A) Conspiracy Conspiracy involves an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a terrorist act. Two or more persons agreeing to commit the crimes defined in this Act constitute conspiracy. ### (B) Critical Infrastructure Examples include communication networks, power grids, dams, and financial institutions. Assets essential for societal functions, including health, safety, security, and economic well-being. Examples include, but are not limited to, communication systems, emergency services, energy sources, dams, financial institutions, food supply chains, public services, industry, transportation, media, information technology, commercial facilities, and water resources. ### (C) Foreign Terrorists This definition includes individuals traveling abroad for terrorist purposes and those coming to the Philippines to participate in such acts. Persons traveling to another state to perpetrate, plan, prepare for, or participate in terrorist acts, or to provide or receive terrorist training. It also includes individuals residing abroad who come to the Philippines for similar purposes. ### (D) Inciting to Commit Terrorist Acts Indirect incitement, such as through written or visual communication, is also covered. Directly or indirectly provoking, goading, instigating, or persuading another to commit terrorist acts, through any form of communication. ### (E) Material Support Material support encompasses a wide range of assistance, including financial, logistical, and technical aid. Any tangible or intangible property or service provided to support terrorist acts. This includes, but is not limited to, currency, financial securities, lodging, training, expert advice, safe houses, false documentation, communication equipment, weapons, explosives, personnel, and transportation (excluding medicine and religious materials). ### (F) Proposal to Commit Terrorist Acts Even proposing a terrorist act is a crime under this law. Proposing the execution of a terrorist act to another person or persons. ### (G) Recruit This includes any act to procure, induce, or incite others to participate in or support terrorist acts. Any act to procure, induce, or incite others to participate in, commit, or support terrorist acts or terrorist organizations. ### (H) Surveillance Activities This includes various methods of tracking and monitoring individuals or organizations. Tracking, following, or investigating individuals or organizations; or tapping, listening to, intercepting, and recording communications. ### (I) Training Training specifically refers to instruction designed to impart skills related to terrorist acts. Instruction or teaching designed to impart specific skills related to terrorist acts. ### (J) Terrorist Individual This includes anyone involved in terrorist acts, whether as a principal, accomplice, or accessory. Any natural person who commits any of the acts defined and penalized under this Act, or who is a member of a proscribed terrorist organization. ### (K) Terrorist Organization This includes organizations proscribed under Section 24 of this Act or designated by the United Nations Security Council. Any entity organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorist acts, or those proscribed under Section 24 or designated by the UN Security Council. ### (L) Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) WMDs are defined as chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons capable of causing mass casualties. Chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons capable of causing mass destruction or casualties. The means of transporting or propelling the weapon is excluded if separable. ## Section 4: Terrorist Acts This section lists specific acts constituting terrorism. The penalties are severe, including life imprisonment without parole. The definition explicitly excludes legitimate exercises of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. * Acts punishable under Articles 122, 134, 134-a, 248, 267, 324 of the Revised Penal Code, and Presidential Decree No. 1613 (Arson). * Acts involving the use of weapons, explosives, or biological/chemical weapons. * Release of dangerous substances or causing fires, floods, or explosions endangering human life. * Threats to commit any of the above acts with the intent to intimidate the government or public. ## Sections 5-11: Additional Offenses and Penalties These sections detail additional offenses related to planning, preparing, facilitating, inciting, recruiting for, and providing material support to terrorist acts, as well as specific offenses related to foreign terrorists. Penalties range from imprisonment to life imprisonment without parole and perpetual disqualification from public office. ## Sections 12-20: Surveillance and Interception of Communications Improper surveillance or interception of communications can lead to severe penalties. These sections detail the process for obtaining judicial authorization for surveillance and interception of communications, emphasizing the need for a written order from the Court of Appeals. Strict rules govern the duration, content, and handling of intercepted materials. Severe penalties are imposed for unauthorized or malicious interceptions. Specific protections are in place for lawyer-client, doctor-patient, journalist-source, and confidential business communications. ## Section 21: Proscription of Terrorist Organizations The process for declaring an organization a terrorist group is outlined, including due process for the organization. This section outlines the process for declaring an organization a terrorist group, requiring an application by the Department of Justice to a Regional Trial Court, with due notice and opportunity to be heard given to the organization. This is a summary of the key amendments. The full text of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019 should be consulted for complete details.