NCRPO to speed up holding cultural sensitivity seminars for cops

February 26, 2020

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Wednesday said they will fasttrack  holding cultural sensitivity seminars to their personnel following the issue of alleged "profiling” of Muslim students.

In a TV interview, Police Major General Debold Sinas said since he assumed post, he has been planning to conduct the seminar.

“But because of what happened, we will fast track… I usually held (seminar) days before Ramadan for our people’s understanding… I am now scheduling seminars which will be handled by the University of the Philippines Islamic Institute, they are willing to assist and join us,” Sinas said.

He added they really need a Muslim advisor after what happened.

Sinas also said they have an imam who takes care of their Muslim police personnel.

“Hopefully this will strengthen our communication and dialogue with (the) Muslim community… We are addressing all concerns,” Sinas said.

Last week, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) released a copy of a memorandum where police were allegedly conducting profiling against Muslim students in Manila.

In defense, Sinas said the memo was not meant intended for the said allegation but rather for them to have the numbers of all Muslim students for their upcoming dialogues in schools and universities.

Sinas also showed the original memo from the Philippine National Police- Directorate for Police Community Relations to prove that there is no order for a profiling but for them “to get statistics”.

Sinas ordered the Manila Police District to recall the memo.

“The intention was good but we cannot stop others in their interpretation. So in order to answer their concern, we recalled it. Hopefully it will stop the issue,” he said.

Sinas said he informed the DPCR about his decision and had a meeting with the different muslim communities and the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos.

“We can get the numbers from them, they promised to help us. Maybe there are lapses… we are man enough to accept it and hopefully it ends well,” he said.

“If they feel harassed then better withdraw it and use different approach,” he added.  Ella Dionisio/DMS