PNP to allow hijabs for Muslim cops

MANILA, Philippines - Muslim policewomen may soon be allowed to wear “hijab,” the traditional dress code of Muslim women, while on duty, an official said yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Danilo Constantino of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Directorate for Police Community Relations welcomed the idea of allowing Muslim policewomen to wear a headscarf to cover their hair as part of their religious belief.

“It is good to note that gender issues are now being discussed in the PNP,” Constantino said at the closing of the competency training on gender development and analysis.

Of the 148,000 members of the PNP, 20,661 are policewomen. The number of Muslim policewomen, however, was not immediately known.

At present, Muslim policewomen wear regular police officer’s caps.

Constantino said Muslim religious leader Imam Moksir has suggested that Muslim policewomen be allowed to use a hijab to encourage more female Muslims to join the police force.

He said the proposal could be in compliance with the implementation of the Magna Carta for Women.

The PNP has been initiating programs to promote the protection of women and children.