Cover image via inquirer.net
A new proposition of the Public Safety and Security Command Center of Davao City requires Muslim women to take off their burqas and hijabs upon entering malls and other establishments as a safety protocol in the city
Gen Benito de Leon, headed the PSSCC, he tells everyone that it is a security measure to require Muslim women to take off clothing that conceal their faces upon entering malls.
This proposed move is part of the security protocol following the September 2 night market blast which killed 15 people and wounded 69 others
The General clarified that they may put back their hijabs and burqas after inspection.
Image via GMA Network
A hijab is a head covering worn in public by some Muslim women while a niqab is a veil worn by some Muslim women in public, covering all of the face apart from the eyes
Image via Express UK
Muslim religious leaders were not objecting to the proposal as long as they would involve female guards
In Islam, it is against their religion to touch the opposite sex if they are not your family or spouse.
However, the group Suara Bangsamoro strongly oppose the plan as it "discrimates against discriminatory against Muslims and disrespectful of their religious belief and culture"
Their national chair Amirah Ali Lidasan said on a report of Inquirer:
"The Moro women wear burqas as part of their religious belief, just like why nuns wear it. Then you ask them to take it off? The security protocol is so focused on the Moro."
Davao mayor Sara Duterte asks "our Muslim sisters" to cooperate for the "safety of the majority"
"You wear the hijab, which shows your face, or cooperate with security personnel and show your face if you are wearing the burqa.
The law enforcement officers have expressed their opinion that it would be a good security practice to disallow garments that cover the faces in public places. These garments include hats, sunglasses, facemasks, mouth masks, burqa, face paint and other similar things"
