Cooperate with decency campaign, Pinoys in Sharjah told

STOP THE SKIMPY. Women are reminded to dress appropriately in Sharjah to avoid persecution in the Muslim emirate. AP photoPhilippine officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reminded Filipinos there against wearing skimpy, eye-teasing outfits and fighting in the streets, especially in the Sharjah emirate to avoid certain persecution.

Online news site Khaleej Times reported that the public decency campaign by Sharjah police seeks to curb such objectionable practices and behavior.

"Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should be careful and should respect the laws and regulations," Philippine Vice-Consul Edwin Mendoza said.

The Philippine Consulate in Dubai reminded OFWs in Sharjah that the Criminal Investigation Department is more vigorous and strict in implementing the eight-year-old regulation.

Josephine Doria, a 34-year-old Filipino assistant nurse at Central Private Hospital, said she favors the strict enforcement.

"Personally, I would like my blouse to be long that covers the body up to the middle of the legs. I feel uncomfortable to see young couples holding hands in public," she told Khaleej Times.

Similarly, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai also reminded all Chinese citizens who live, work or travel in the UAE, particularly in Sharjah, to abide by all the laws, regulations and customs of the country.

"The same reminder is also published on our website," Chinese Consul Lin Xianxin said.

For his part, Japanese Consul for Economic Affairs Kenji Saito said: "Our office from time to time reminds Japanese nationals and travelers to respect local rules and regulations. We remind them again as a general notice."

Lt. Col. Yousif Al Naqbi, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, said the campaign was launched on July 1 and runs till the end of Ramadan.

Police have rounded up 70 youth for allegedly eve-teasing in shopping centers and malls so far.

Police patrols have been deployed in shopping centers and commercial and residential areas in all parts of Sharjah.

"Whoever lives in Sharjah or has just come to visit should respect the emirate’s rules and its society, and we appreciate the diplomatic missions’ (efforts) to spread awareness among their people living in the emirate on the importance of respecting the culture and conservative tradition of the local community," said Al Naqbi. - GMANews.TV