NCRPO: Muslim cops will be deployed to assist SEA Games delegates

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday announced that some 240 Muslim police officers will be deployed to assist delegates taking part in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

"Accordingly, this is the result of our continuous dialogue with Muslim communities," NCRPO acting director Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas said at a press conference.

"One of their observations is wala tayong Muslim officers na nagkukuwan sa billet area, when in fact meron tayong mga countries na Muslim... They requested us, kung puwede maglagay kami ng mga pulis Muslim na nakahijab na babae atsaka lalaki na may kopiah."

Sinas said this decision was made for reasons of cultural sensitivity during the conduct of SEA Games.

"Sa ibang bansa ganito... 'yung mga Muslim visitors natin maski papaano pag nakakita sila ng kapwa-Muslim nila, they prefer discussing anong problema, mas preferred nila makipag-deal..." Sinas added.

Sinas says Muslim police officers will be deployed for the SEA games. pic.twitter.com/8wCADQtCHs

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Sinas said Muslim police officers will be deployed to police assistance desks in various billeting hotels and sports venues beginning Wednesday, December 4.

There will be two Muslim cops assigned in the morning and another two in the evening at the desks.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

The NCRPO acting chief added that the total number of delegates who have arrived for the SEA Games was 3,695 as of December 2, Monday.

He added that a total of 11,566 Metro Manila police officers have been deployed to ensure peace and order during the regional sports event. — BM, GMA News