Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 20) — Senator Robin Padilla seeks a Senate investigation into the fatal shooting at a Taguig City police station last Aug. 7, allegedly resulting from religious discrimination and mockery of a Muslim police officer.
Padilla on Sunday said he filed Senate Resolution No. 743, requesting the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the plight of the Muslim community amid “numerous acts and practices that disadvantage and undermine their religious beliefs, particularly in the observance of their dietary principles.”
He cited the gunfight among Taguig City cops that left one police officer dead and another in critical condition, following an altercation with a Muslim colleague.The shooting allegedly stemmed from a pork dish prepared at the police station.Initial investigation showed that Chief Master Sergeant Alraquib Aguel and Executive Master Sergeant Heriberto Saguiped had a heated discussion that led to an altercation. Aguel later fatally shot Saquiped.Corporal Alison Sindac, who attempted to pacify the situation, was seriously injured.According to Padilla, the Muslim officer sent him a letter. Aguel said the incident “was exacerbated by previous instances of discrimination and mockery” aimed at him and the “surreptitious” serving of pork without his knowledge.Padilla also noted instances of violation of Islamic dietary laws, including the reported use of “Halal” logo on food products with pork and the alleged serving of pork to Muslim inmates in the facilities of the Bureau of Corrections.
