30/07/2019 Republic Act No. 9372 | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines SEC. 54. Functions of the Council. — In pursuit of its mandate in the previous Section, the Council shall have the following functions with due regard for the rights of the people as mandated by the Constitution and pertinent laws. 1. Formulate and adopt plans, programs and counter-measures against terrorists and acts of terrorism in the country; 2. Coordinate all national efforts to suppress and eradicate acts of terrorism in the country and mobilize the entire nation against terrorism prescribed in this Act; 3. Direct the speedy investigation and prosecution of all persons accused or detained for the crime of terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism and other offenses punishable under this Act, and monitor the progress of their cases; 4. Establish and maintain comprehensive data-base information system on terrorism, terrorist activities, and counter-terrorism operations; 5. Freeze the funds property, bank deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records belonging to a person suspected of or charged with the crime of terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9160, otherwise known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended; 6. Grant monetary rewards and other incentives to informers who give vital information leading to the apprehension, arrest, detention, prosecution, and conviction of person or persons who are liable for the crime of terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism; 7. Establish and maintain coordination with and the cooperation and assistance of other nations in the struggle against international terrorism; and 8. Request the Supreme Court to designate speci c divisions of the Court of Appeals and Regional Trial Courts in Manila, Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City, as the case may be, to handle all cases involving the crime of terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism and all matters incident to said crimes. The Secretary of Justice shall assign a team of prosecutors from: (a) Luzon to handle terrorism cases led in the Regional Trial Court in Manila; (b) from the Visayas to handle cases led in Cebu City; and (c) from Mindanao to handle cases led in Cagayan de Oro City. SEC. 55. Role of the Commission on Human Rights. — The Commission on Human Rights shall give the highest priority to the investigation and prosecution of violations of civil and political rights of persons in relation to the implementation of this Act; and for this purpose, the Commission shall have the https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2007/03/06/republic-act-no-9372/ 22/26