Malacañang on Tuesday reiterated its support for the implementation of a national identification (ID) card system in the Philippines, but it clarified that the proposal for a Muslim ID scheme was a local initiative. Last week, the Central Luzon Provincial Police Office encouraged 200 Muslim leaders in the region to enforce a Muslim ID system to help in the documentation of barangays hosting evacuees from the strife-torn Marawi City. ADVERTISEMENTBut on Saturday, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)expressed alarm over the proposed identification system, saying that the move could be discriminatory against Muslims. In April, Abella said the national ID system was “being considered” by the government. “”We’re not saying that we’re not supporting it (Muslim ID system), but the Palace’s position is that there should be a national ID,” he told reporters.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 11, 2017 15:00 UTC