Manila, April 22 -- Government officials in Lanao del Sur province welcomed the enactment of Republic Act 12160, officially known as the Philippine Islamic Burial Act, a landmark legislation designed to uphold religious traditions in the burial of Muslim Filipinos.

Second District Rep. Yasser Balindong, in a statement released on Tuesday, said the new law mandates the prompt burial of deceased Muslims, ideally within 24 hours of death, in accordance with Islamic rites and practices.

"Crucially, this legislation also stipulates that the non-payment of hospital bills or other similar charges cannot be used as a valid reason to delay the release of a deceased Muslim's body beyond the essential 24-hour timeframe," Balindong said.

First Dis...