Manila: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure that requires the proper and immediate burial of Filipino Muslims in line with Islamic traditions, local media reported Tuesday. The Philippine Islamic Burial Act mandates that burials must occur as soon as possible, even in the absence of a death certificate.

According to Anadolu Agency, the law, signed on April 11 and posted on the Official Gazette's website on Monday, stipulates that the person who performed the burial rites or the deceased's next of kin must report the death within 14 days to the local health officer. This officer is responsible for verifying the cause of death and issuing a death certificate.

The law specifies that Muslim cadavers should be released within 24 hours by any facility or person in custody of the body, including hospitals, funeral parlors, and prison facilities, to ensure burial in accordance with Islamic rites. Additionally, the legislation imposes penalties on those who refuse to release a Muslim body due to unpaid hospital or funeral fees or other unjustified reasons. Offenders may face one to six months in jail, a fine ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 Philippine pesos ($882 to $1,764), or both.