AFP to wiretap on "terrorists" in media

Sus, matagal na nilang ginagawa yan. Kahit na noong wala pa yung anti-terror bill--because it was mostly done against Arroyo's political enemies and those her ISAFP labeled as "enemies of the state" in the media.

From the Tribune:

Malacañang and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday refused to make a categorical stand on whether they will wiretap the media, an overt operation that supposedly is authorized by the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007, or the anti-terrorism law, which takes effect on July 15.

Instead, they engaged in word play, clarifying that the media themselves are not to be bugged but only their members whom the Arroyo government deems as terrorists.

At the same time, the Palace and the military indicated that they will abide by the law.

“No, no, no, this is not wiretapping of the media, but wiretapping of probable (terrorist) suspects (in the media). If ever that would be done, which is very remote, then it has to be (done) with court approval. That is one safeguard. The anti-terrorism law is not about wiretapping, it is about neutralizing would-be terrorists and that should be for the good of all of us,” President Arroyo’s legal adviser Sergio Apostol said.

AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. echoed Malacañang, saying certain media organizations can be wiretapped if the court will allow it.

Esperon did not identify the organizations.

“Well, if it (wiretapping of the media) is called for, (then we will do it),” he told reporters when asked if the military would bug its “enemies” in the media.