A new law is drawing much critisism in the Philippines. 

The Human Security Act allows the government to detain suspects for up to three days without charge, use wiretaps and also seize suspects' assets.

The government in Manila says the law will help it to tackle militant groups, such as Abu Sayyaf.

The philippines has been fighting against Jihad since 1380 but there have been many disturbing cases of terrorism in modern times.

The Philippines has faced terrorist attacks in recent years from two sources: Islamist separatists and communist rebels. The Philippine army was pursuing Abu Sayyaf before September 11, and the government was discussing economic development of Muslim areas to combat discontent. Philippine antiterrorist efforts have been undermined by weak and sometimes corrupt law enforcement.

In 2004, the Philippines suffered the worst terrorist attack in its history when a bomb planted by Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists sunk a ferry in Manila Bay, killing about 130 passengers. In December 2004, a bomb exploded in a crowded market in General Santos City killing seventeen people.

The detractors of the law are concerned that it gives over reaching powers to a government that has problems with corruption.  They fear that it will allow President Gloria Arroyo the opportunity to harrass political rivals.  It should be pointed out however, that they need a court ordered warrant and they can only hold them for three days.

As much as civil liberties should be dearly held even outside the U.S., I have to agree with this new law.  As long as reasonable checks are put in place, there should be a means to hold potential terrorists and freeze their assets.  People cannot enjoy their civil liberties if they are dead.