MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Leila De Lima instructed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the reported use of sketch labeled “Muslim Type” by the NBI Western Mindanao.
Department of Justice Undersecretary Zabedin Azis carried out the order to the NBI Director Virgilio Mendez upon De Lima’s instruction.
De Lima ordered the investigation following a sketch released in connection with the search for the suspects in the recent bombing in Zamboanga.
"The DOJ does not allow or tolerate discrimination against any group or sector of society, including Muslim Filipinos," De Lima said.
"This would violate not only the equal protection clause of our Constitution but also our commitments under international law," she added.
De Lima said that the Philippines is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which requires that countries respect human rights without distinction of any kind as it prevents discrimination in any race, religion, political party or national origin.
Azis also said non-discrimination also requires mutual respect.
"As a country with a history of rich diversity, we are determined to avoid negative stereotypes and misinformation about beliefs, cultures and communities," Azis said.
The DOJ Usec assured that the government will protect and respect every Filipino regardless of race, color or religion since they promote multicultural harmony.
Meanwhile, NBI Western Mindanao Regional Director Fernando Lavin took full responsibility on the release of the sketch and duly apologized for the lapse.
The sketch of the male suspect tagged as the “Muslim Type” went viral on social media and caused outrage among the employees and officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
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