Task Force Davao runs a special inspection for passengers wearing hijab in their checkpoint at Barangay Sirawan in Toril District.
The task force implements tight security measures by inspecting every bus passenger at their checkpoint station.
Passengers pass individually through the walkthrough scanner while their luggage passed through the X-ray scanner.
But there is a new system in place for TF Davao soldiers to inspect Muslim women, especially those wearing hijab and Abaya Anjou.
Exclusive cubicle for passengers wearing hijab
Authorities have set up a cubicle inspection area exclusively for Muslim women.
There were also female soldiers appointed as the only ones who could conduct body inspections on Muslim women in respect to their culture and traditions.
Dabawenya Maranao Haja Norhana was in favor of the inspection.
“Hindi man alam ng mga tao kung ano ang nasa puso nila, masama o ‘di masama. Pwede, patakaran naman ‘yan kasi para maging mapayapa ang komunidad,” said Norhana.
(People do not even know what is in their heart, bad or good. Well, that’s the policy for making the community peaceful.)
According to Col. Consolito Yecla, commander of Task Force Davao, putting a cubicle inspection area at checkpoints was a way to prevent any threats.
The Task Force wanted to avoid a similar incident at the bombing in Indanan, Sulu on September 8 where the 35th Infantry Battalion was attacked by a suspect wearing a hijab.
“Ang scheme natin sa Davao, para ‘di tayo mapasukan ng bomba. Lahat naman talaga ang dumadaan is under inspection. It means we are not excusing yung mga naka-hijab, but to ensure their privacy to be protected based sa Muslim religious belief, sila ay maproteksyonan against the eyes of men. We created ‘yung curtain-type inspection areas,” Yecla explained.
(Our scheme in Davao is to prevent bombs. Everything that goes by is under inspection. It means we are not excusing the hijabs. But that is to ensure their privacy to be protected based on Muslim religious beliefs. They will be protected against the eyes of men. We created the curtain-type inspection areas.)
The cubicle inspection area also included the Davao City Transport Terminal and another checkpoint at Barangay Lacson in Calinan, Davao City.