Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Wednesday hailed the signing of Republic Act (RA) 12160 or the Philippine Islamic Burial Act, calling it a win for Muslim Filipinos.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed RA 12160 or “An Act Requiring the Proper and Immediate Burial of Muslim Cadavers in Accordance with the Islamic Rites,” on April 11. A copy of the law was made public on Monday.

A proud Muslim, Maranao, and a daughter of Mindanao, Pangandaman thanked the President for signing the law, which institutionalizes the protocols for the proper and timely burial of Muslims in the country, saying it is a big help in preserving Muslim tradition.

“Malaking bagay po ito para sa aming mga Pilipinong Muslim na maprotektahan ang aming tradisyon at paniniwala, habang pinangangalagaan ang aming karapatan at dignidad hanggang sa huling sandali (This is a big deal for us Muslim Filipinos in preserving our tradition and practice, and also in protecting our rights and dignity until our final moments),” she said in a DBM news release.

“Salamat po kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil patunay po ito na minamahal, pinakikinggan, at binibigyang prayoridad at importansya po n’ya ang Muslim community sa bansa (Thank you to President Bongbong Marcos for the resounding proof that the Muslim community is loved, heard, and prioritized in the country).”

Under the law, the burial of Muslim cadavers must be performed as soon as possible, with or without a death certificate.

It also mandates the release of Muslim cadavers within 24 hours by the concerned hospital, medical clinic, funeral parlor, morgue, custodial and prison facilities, and similar facilities, or persons who have custody of them. (PNA)