A Filipino content creator is facing a warning from a government agency and a torrent of online backlash after posting a message on social media asking where to find “halal pork” – a contradiction in Islamic belief that critics say crosses the line between satire and hate speech.
The post made on Tuesday by Crist Briand has since been deleted, but screenshots of his remark continue to circulate online, prompting angry reactions and calls for accountability.
One social media user challenged Briand to try showing disrespect in Muslim communities and see how people would react. “What you’re doing, mocking us Muslims, might bring you harm.”
Another user urged authorities to request that Facebook remove Briand’s account, saying his posts were a serious concern to Muslims.
In response, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the government agency tasked with protecting and promoting the rights of Muslim Filipinos, issued a show-cause order on Wednesday against Briand over his deleted post, warning that failure to respond would be considered a waiver of his right to be heard.
“The notion of ‘halal pork’ is not only false and misleading but also highly offensive and disrespectful to the beliefs, religious practices, and cultural sensitivities of the Muslim community,” said the commission’s Davao-based chief Sherrila Porza-Sawah.
