Pangasinan mayor denies ejecting Muslims

URDANETA CITY, Philippines – The mayor of this city yesterday denied ordering a ban on Muslims in the area as part of the anti-drug campaign of the local government.

Mayor Amadeo Gregorio Perez IV said he was not stupid to issue such an order, noting it was unconstitutional.

Perez was referring to a report published by a national newspaper that he issued the order during a flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

“Everybody is welcome in Urdaneta, regardless of religion, status in life or race for as long as you are doing legitimate business,” he said.

Perez said he talked and clarified things with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday night.   

Before the meeting, Hataman expressed sadness over Perez’s alleged ban on Muslims.