BARMM a support agency of the Anti-Terrorism Council — Palace

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will be consulted by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) on the implementation of the country’s new anti-terror law even if the regional government is not a member of the inter-agency body.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque gave the assurance on Monday after Bangsamoro Parliament member Zia Alonto Adiong said over the weekend that the BARMM wants representation in the ATC.

“Nasa probisyon po iyan ng batas, hindi nga lang po full membership into the Anti-Terrorism Council but they are one of the agencies that the Anti-Terrorism Council is duty bound to consult,” Roque said.

“Mayroon pong proseso para madinig ang BARMM na nakasaad po sa batas mismo.”

Roque was referring to Section 45 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which identified the BARMM as one of the several support agencies of the ATC.

The ATC will be headed by the Executive Secretary.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the new anti-terror law last Friday despite the plea of the Bangsamoro government for the legislation to be sent back to Congress to address the issues of "vagueness and overbreadth" as well as other concerns.

At least four petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the law. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News