In Davao City, Benito de Leon, the new head of the Public Safety and Security Command Center, revealed that, as a security measure, they are thinking of requiring Muslim women to take off clothing that conceal their faces upon entering malls.
“De Leon explained that the proposed move was part of security protocol following the Sep 2 night market blast that killed 15 people and wounded at least 69 others,” reports Germelina Lacorte in Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“We will be requiring people, upon entering malls and other establishments, to remove their caps, bonnets, sunglasses, including hijabs (for women) for inspection. Anything that can conceal their faces or identities,” De Leon stated.
That could also include the niqab, which completely covers the entire face except for the eyes.
The group Suara Bangsamoro has opposed the said plan and tagged it as “discriminatory against Muslims and disrespectful of their religious belief and culture.”
