ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman's Statement on the Manila Times Report on Discrimination against Muslims in Urdaneta, Pangasinan

An August 8, 2016 report published in the Manila Times says that Mayor Amadeo Gregorio Perez IV "has ordered the clearing of the city of all Muslim residents" in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. The same report mentions that the Sangguniang Panlungsod has been requested "to enact an urgent ordinance stopping the entry of Muslims" in the city. These steps are reportedly done in the wake of the Mayor Urdaneta's campaign against illegal drugs.

We would like to believe that this isn't true, because this is nothing but discrimination.

In this day and age, it is unthinkable that there are local government officials who would rather take action based on prejudice instead of evidence, and would blindly uproot families from their homes rather than address the root of criminality itself.

We strongly condemn mindless acts that are clearly prejudiced against our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially when these violate their constitutionally protected and fundamental human rights, including their right to life and liberty, to be secure in their persons, and to freely practice their religion as Filipinos of faith.

We understand that the government is working hard at every level and is doing everything that is necessary to rid the country of the drug problem, but this does not give any official the license to abuse his authority and go beyond the rule of law, not to mention the bounds of reason and common sense, especially when it leads to human rights violations.

The leadership of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is extending an invitation to the local government officials of Urdaneta, Pangasinan for a dialogue and will be coordinating with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos to ensure that our Muslim brothers and sisters will not be treated like criminals simply because of their faith, and that they will not be treated unfairly at any point during the course of the national and local government's campaign against illegal drugs.

From hereon, should there be any other report of similar incidents during the conduct of the ongoing anti-illegal drug campaign, we call on all Muslim leaders to express their dissent when the rights of our brothers and sisters are violated and to stand together with the people in the face of oppression.

Here in the ARMM, the regional government safeguards the rights of every Filipino regardless of his affiliation, religious or otherwise. This is done with full knowledge of the state's responsibility as the primary duty bearer when it comes to the fulfillment of human rights, especially when it comes to the rights of the marginalized.

We expect no less from our fellow leaders who were elected and took the same oath of office that we in Muslim Mindanao took -- one that binds us in service of every Filipino. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)