Chalssea Kate Echegoyen

Multi-sectoral groups picket in front of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency office in Quezon City on November 23, 2023, declaring the unconstitutionality of the Anti-Terror Law, amid Indigenous Peoples leaders and rights defenders taking to court in Baguio City their designation as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council.  Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Groups stand against terrorist designations

Adrian Ayalin

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178305352579420260703040748_c23a9149603cd51dd1b22fae8cf4a65411986d0870db685539974105d5ace61a.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Multi-sectoral groups picket in front of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency office in Quezon City on November 23, 2023, declaring the unconstitutionality of the Anti-Terror Law, amid Indigenous Peoples leaders and rights defenders taking to court in Baguio City their designation as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA – Human rights groups on Friday marked the sixth anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, with a protest outside the Department of Justice, claiming that more than 200 individuals have become victims of the law.</p><p>Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay alleged that the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with Republic Act No. 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, has been used to silence activists and progressive organizations.</p><p>“Dalawang batas na ginagamit para supilin ang mga lumalaban, ang mga nag-eehersisyo ng ating mga karapatan, ang mga rebolusyonaryo, para manaig ang mga kurakot, ang mga mamamatay-tao, ang nagsasanla ng ating bansa sa mga dayuhan,” Palabay said.</p><p>Palabay said the protest coincided with the ongoing Global Review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy at the United Nations, which is being attended by representatives of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).</p><p>She claimed that 37 individuals, including consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and leaders of people&#x27;s organizations, have been arbitrarily designated as terrorists under existing laws.</p><p>Palabay also alleged that trumped-up charges were filed against activists in Cagayan Valley in 2025.</p><p>The groups urged the Marcos administration to repeal both the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act, while calling for accountability over what it described as political persecution and human rights violations.</p><p>“They had it coming, kasi nga po anim na taon na, mahigit dalawang daang tao ang biniktima, pero nananatiling constitutional pa rin daw ang terror law,” Palabay said.</p><p>The Anti-Terrorism Act took effect in July 2020 and has been challenged before the Supreme Court by several groups. In 2021, the Court upheld the constitutionality of most provisions of the law while striking down or modifying some portions.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zFIKhAl-tUo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>Human rights groups on Friday marked the sixth anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, with a protest outside the Department of Justice, claiming that more than 200 individuals have become victims of the law.</p>

Human rights groups on Friday marked the sixth anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, with a protest outside the Department of Justice, claiming that more than 200 individuals have become victims of the law.

Over 200 'victims' of Anti-Terrorism Act recorded since law's passage—groups

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Over 200 'victims' of Anti-Terrorism Act recorded since law's passage—groups

Adrian Ayalin,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 03, 2026 12:45 PM PHT

Read More:

anti-terror law

human rights

protest

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.