Manila, April 23 -- 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 ...