SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga , Philippines – The Central Luzon police is planning to issue special identification cards to Muslims from Mindanao who have become residents of the region.
Regional police director Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino announced this plan as a measure against terrorism during a recent forum of local Muslim leaders here.
Aquino said issuing ID cards to local Muslims would enable authorities to distinguish them from individuals linked to terrorist groups.
He said local Muslim residents in Paniqui, Tarlac have been issued IDs by local police, and he wanted this measure done all over Central Luzon.
Aquino suggested the ID cards should be duly signed by local officials and police after proper vetting of the holder’s background.
Muslim residents who already have IDs could also help authorities in the campaign against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality in their areas, he said.