MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday filed the first case under the Human Security Act of 2007 against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

“The government has enough evidence to prove that the Abu Sayyaf Group is a terrorist organization and uses violence to terrorize populations. This group is responsible for atrocities including kidnappings and killings. There is fear, a climate of fear, where this group operates in,” said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

De Lima added that "Operations, intelligence and legal units from the different agencies worked together to establish the ASG's pattern of kidnapping, ambushing, pillage in exchange for ransom, money or any benefit that may be expedient to them"..

According to the DOJ, the case is one of proscription.

Based on legal parlance, proscription is a process which declares a group of persons to be terrorists after due notice and hearing and outlawed by the Regional Trial Court. Persons who are members of the terrorist organization can also be arrested.

Under Section 17 of Republic Act 9372, the DOJ is tasked to prosecute and proscribe any organization, association or group of persons engaged in terrorism or actually commits acts of terrorism to create fear and panic.

"The government especially the Department of Justice shall ensure that human rights are respected at all times," de Lima said.