Maguindanao 2nd District Representative Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu is pushing that all local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines be required to allocate suitable land spaces for the establishment of public cemeteries for Filipino Muslims.

In filing on Monday, June 7, House Bill No. 9589, Mangudadatu pointed out the growing number of Muslims relocating in various parts of the country.

"The Filipino Muslim communities in the country used to be concentrated in Mindanao and some areas in the Visayas and Palawan. However, due to various reasons, there came about a Muslim diaspora in our country that has resulted in the rise of Filipino Muslim population," the vice chairman of the House Committees on Mindanao Affairs and Local Government said.

He mentioned that the Muslim community's "strong adherence" to their culture and religious beliefs, including their practice to bury their dead within 24 hours after demise in a place that is exclusive to departed Muslims.

The lawmaker lamented that existing public cemeteries for Muslims have become overcrowded, forcing Muslim families to transport by plane the remains of their loved ones back to their places of origin.

“Hindi po biro ang halaga ng pagta-transport ng mga labi ng ating mga kababayang Muslim at hindi po lahat ay kinakaya itong tustusan (Transporting the remains of our Muslim countrymen is no joke and not everyone can afford it). Not only is it stressful especially during this pandemic, but it also causes financial distress to the grieving families,” Mangudadatu explained in his statement Tuesday, June 8.

“Like everyone else, we all wanted to give our loved ones the proper burial they deserve. This is why I am hoping that this legislation will be able to do just that,” he added.

Under the bill, LGUs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) shall be mandated to allocate at least two hectares for the establishment of a Muslim cemetery.

Meanwhile, cities and municipalities in Metro Manila must dedicate a minimum of 3,000 square meters of land, and they will be allowed to procure land outside the region "within reasonable traveling distance".

All other LGUs outside the BARMM and Metro Manila must allocate parcels of land depending on the number of Filipino Muslims residing within their jurisdictions.

LGUs that host at least 1,000 Muslims as permanent residents, for instance, shall be mandated to allocate at least 5,000 square meters of suitable land; while those hosting at least 500 must allocate 3,000 square meters.