DAVAO CITY — The burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani is now underway.
Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana issued a memorandum to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Ricardo Visaya on Sunday, August 7 to start the planning and preparations of the former President.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, which supervises and administers the Libingan ng mga Bayani, is designated as the “overall overseer of the event”.
Lorenzana requested the Army chief to submit an implementing plan “as soon as possible”.
Lorenzana also ordered for the close coordination of the AFP with the late dictator’s family.
President Rodrigo Duterte has given the go signal for the burial of the former President at the heroes’ cemetery saying “he is qualified to be buried there.”
He also said that he welcomes protests as some groups have expressed opposition to the plan.
“Kung ayaw ng ibang Pilipino, fine. Mag-demonstrate kayo, go ahead,” Duterte said on Sunday, August 7.
Human rights group Karapatan, who is among those who oppose the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani said they do not agree with a hero’s burial for the late dictator “because he was a fascist who committed countless human rights violations, not worthy of any honor.”(davaotoday.com)
