Marcos signs law mandating prompt Islamic burials

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12160, known as the 'Philippine Islamic Burial Act,' mandating the immediate burial of Muslim cadavers in accordance with Islamic rites on April 11.

The law requires that the deceased be buried within 24 hours if they are in a hospital or medical facility, regardless of whether a death certificate is available.

Local health officers must issue death certificates within 14 days after burial, while mayors must do so in the absence of an authorized health officer.

Police Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, commander of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APC-WM) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered all policemen to comply with the provisions of RA 12160, particularly important in regions with large Muslim populations such as the Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM.

Violations can result in imprisonment for up to six months or a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 for individuals, with penalties extending to corporate officers if the offender is an entity.

The law mandates that cadavers be released promptly without requiring payment of hospital bills and prohibits holding bodies hostage due to unpaid fees.

The Department of Health and the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos are tasked with implementing the necessary rules and regulations to enforce RA 12160.