The swift and dignified burial of OPM icon Freddie Aguilar has drawn attention to the recent enactment of the Philippine Islamic Burial Act, a law authored by Senator Robin Padilla that protects the religious funeral practices of Filipino Muslims.
Aguilar, who converted to Islam in 2013 and adopted the name Abdul Farid, passed away on May 27, 2025, at the age of 72 due to multiple organ failure. In accordance with Islamic tradition, his remains were interred within 24 hours at the Manila Islamic Cemetery. The burial was facilitated by the Muntinlupa City Muslim Affairs Office, following customs rooted in his faith—and made possible through Republic Act No. 12160.
The Philippine Islamic Burial Act, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last April, ensures that deceased Muslims in the country are buried without delay, in accordance with Islamic rites. Islam prescribes that the dead should be buried as soon as possible, ideally within the same day of death. However, delays caused by administrative requirements or financial limitations have often stood in the way of this practice.
RA 12160 addresses these challenges by mandating the release of Muslim remains from hospitals, morgues, prisons, and other institutions within 24 hours—even if certain documents such as the death certificate are still pending. Furthermore, facilities may no longer withhold the body due to unpaid bills, provided the deceased’s family issues a promissory note.
The law also respects essential Islamic burial practices. The deceased should be wrapped in a white cloth (kafan), placed in a sealed container, and laid to rest before the next adhan or call to prayer. Post-burial, the death must be reported to the local health officer within 14 days for documentation and issuance of the death certificate.
Senator Padilla, a Muslim himself, described the law as a meaningful step toward religious inclusivity and cultural respect.
“This law is a significant step in recognizing and respecting the religious practices of our Muslim brothers and sisters. It ensures that their traditions are honored, even in death,” he said in a statement following Aguilar’s funeral.
Freddie Aguilar’s immediate burial became a high-profile demonstration of RA 12160 in action. It not only fulfilled the late musician’s final wish to be laid to rest in keeping with his Islamic faith, but also underscored the relevance and timeliness of the newly passed law.
Senator Padilla urged hospitals, local government units, and relevant agencies across the country to study the law’s provisions and work toward its consistent implementation. He emphasized that every Filipino, regardless of religion, deserves to be buried in a manner that honors their beliefs and values.
By removing long-standing barriers that have hindered timely Muslim burials, RA 12160 affirms the state’s commitment to religious freedom and cultural understanding—values that found real-world expression in the farewell given to one of the country’s most iconic musicians.
TATAK MNL 
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