THE City Government of Davao clarified issues over inspecting Moro women upon entering shopping malls and public places in the city.
The city's law enforcement officers expressed their opinion that it would be a good security practice to disallow garments that cover the faces in public places including hats, sunglasses, facemasks, mouth masks, burqa, face paint, among others.
After the proposed security operation was erroneously reported as banning, it has gained a lot of dismissive reactions from Moro women around the country.
Davao City Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Michael John Dubria said in an interview on Thursday during the ISpeak Forum at the City Hall conference room that a closed-room will be placed along the checkpoints.
"Those who wear the burqa or the hijab will be inspected by policewomen inside an enclosed room so they will not be intimidated," he said.
Duterte-Carpio added over beefing security in the city, people's customs and beliefs will be respected.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio Thursday, September 15, sent a statement to the media, saying she respected the religion as well as the practice of Moro women in the city.
"I understand the sentiments of our Muslim sisters with regard to the burqa, may I suggest that you wear the hijab which shows your face or cooperate with the security personnel and show your face if you are wearing the burqa," she said.
She added general welfare of the majority takes precedence over religious tradition.
The new security protocol was suggested after the deadly blast at Roxas night market in the city on September 2, which killed 15 and injured 69.