New Philippine terror law to outlaw Muslim groups

Violent Muslim groups operating in the Philippines are expected to be outlawed when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signs a long-delayed anti-terror law, an official said Tuesday. The Senate and the House of Representatives have ratified the Human Security Act, and Arroyo is expected to sign it soon. The United States and other Western countries have long prodded the Philippines to enact an anti-terrorism law, citing the presence of al-Qaida-linked militants who have been blamed for deadly bomb attacks, beheadings and kidnappings.