Hontiveros stands by opposition to terror law despite Jolo bombings

Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that she has no regrets in opposing the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, even after the recent suicide bombings in Jolo, Sulu.

She believes that certain provisions within the anti-terror law are overreaching and could potentially be misused by the government against individuals who are not terrorists.

Hontiveros highlighted that the previous Human Security Act allowed for intelligence operations that could have prevented the Jolo attack, but these efforts were thwarted by the killing of soldiers by police officers.

She, along with Senator Francis Pangilinan, were the only two senators who voted against the anti-terror law during its deliberation.

The senator also called for the relief of the entire Jolo police force due to suspicions of their involvement with the suicide bombers.

Furthermore, Hontiveros expressed her opposition to declaring martial law in Sulu, asserting confidence in the military's existing capabilities.