Manila says new law a key weapon against militants

MANILA, Feb 23 (Reuters) New Philippine anti-terror legislation that allows suspects to be detained without charge has many deficiencies but it is still an important tool in fighting militants, a senior official said today.

After languishing for 11 years, Congress finally approved the legislation this month but opposition lawmakers, concerned the government might use the law against them, insisted it would not be implemented until two months after congressional polls in May.

''For all its shortcomings, we have finally something to use against terrorists,'' Ricardo Blancaflor, defence undersecretary and former director of the Philippine anti-terrorism task force, told foreign correspondents.

''We cannot have the best of both worlds, we'll have to deal with these limitations and handicaps.'' The Philippines, fighting Muslim insurgents with ties to regional terror network Jemaah Islamiah, has been criticised by its closest security ally, the United States, for having insufficient laws to deal with terrorism suspects.

Since 2000, a total of 358 Filipinos have died in about 120 bombings, including an explosion on a ferry near Manila Bay in 2004, the worst Islamic militant attack in the mainly Roman Catholic country.

Left-wing groups have said the law, which allows suspects to be detained for three days without charge and jailed for up to 40 years if convicted, could be used against political opponents and have described it as a ''draconian measure.'' The new law will be suspended one month before and two months after every election in the Philippines to prevent misuse. Polls for congressional and local seats are held every three years and presidential elections are held every six years.

Blancaflor said some police were complaining that the law, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was due to sign either today or early next week, was too restrictive because of the need to get court approval for measures such as electronic surveillance.

Philippine security forces have arrested or killed about 270 terror suspects, and convicted 23 foreign and local militants since 2004.

Blancaflor said under the new law, suspects detained without charge will be allowed visits from family members, lawyers, doctors and religious leader.

Court permission would also be required for prying into bank accounts of suspected terrorists or organisations serving as financial conduits.

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