ARMM eyes public cemeteries for Moro constituents

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines  --- Local executives unanimously endorsed a proposed regional law that would require all municipal and provincial governments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to put up public cemeteries for Moro constituents.

The Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) Bill 04, which will oblige local government units in the ARMM to establish Muslim burial sites, was authored by Maguindanao 2nd District Assemblyman Khadafeh Mangudadatu.

The league of municipal mayors in the province vowed to support the enactment of the proposed regional law during a public consultation over the weekend in Buluan town in the second district of Maguindanao.

Some LGU officials had recommended that the Muslim cemeteries be managed by members of the Darul Iftah, also known as Islamic House of Opinions, which is composed of senior clerics residing in the ARMM provinces.

Ustadz Esmael Ibrahim, a commissioner in the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, explained to participants to the dialogue the religious relevance of establishing such cemeteries.

He also urged ARMM's cross-section communities to support the initiative.

Ibrahim said the NCMF is in favor of RLA Bill 04.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said his office also supports the bill, which will institutionalize a free burial system for Muslims in all parts of the autonomous region.

Gov. Mangudadatu said his family is ready to donate a piece of land in their hometown, Buluan, for a Muslim public cemetery once the law is enacted.

“To be buried properly, within 24 hours after death, is a spiritual right of every Muslim,” Gov. Mangudadatu said.

Also present during Saturday’s public consultation on RLA Bill 04 in Buluan were other regional lawmakers from across the province led by Assemblyman Rene Midtimbang.

Assemblyman Mangudadatu, who helped Midtimbang preside over the consultation, said he is confident local executives in other ARMM provinces will endorse RLA Bill 04 too.

Assemblyman Mangudadatu and his colleagues in the RLA, touted as the “Little Congress” of ARMM, will conduct public consultations on the proposed law this week in Lanao del Sur, and in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi  (Basulta) area.