Malacañan OK’s burial of former President Marcos in Libingan

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The infamous Marcos bust carved/built in the mountain near Baguio City. Photo credit: Angus Townley.

It’s final. Malacañan okays burial of former President Marcos in Libingan

Despite many who are against the move, including civil organizations, victims, relatives of victims and survivors, the move to finally intern the body of former President Ferdinand Marcos to the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio is almost set.

The Palace on Sunday night confirmed the assignment of task to the Philippine Veterans Afffairs Office in the suprvision of planning and preparation of the long-awaited internment.

In a statement, Malacañan said “The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the same government office that supervises and administers the Libingan ng mga Bsyani, has been designated as the office with primary responsibility for the planning and preparations for the event, including close coordination with the Marcos family.”

Meanwhile, the Marcos family has already sent representatives to look for a site at the Libingan in Taguig City.

Army spokesperson Col. Benjamim Hao said the visit took place last Friday and had covered the area they preferred.

“There is still no official directive regarding the burial of former president (Ferdinand E. Marcos). What is happening right now is in anticipation of a formal order, everything that is taking place right now is in anticipation of the burial order,” Hao said.

He clarified that the Army is not involved in the preparations, but will help once the final directive is issued.

Representatives of the Marcos family coordinated with the PA regarding entry to the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

Earlier, stories were attributed to President Rodrigo R. Duterte who has given the go signal for the transfer of the former President’s remains at the Libingan with the internment earmarked next month, September 18 of this year.

It must be recalled that during the Election 2016 campaigns, then candidate Duterte responded to queries favoring the final burial of the former strongman to the Libingan.

Marcos, Sr., the father of former senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., held the presidency from 1965 to 1986, the longest for a Philippine leader.

He declared Martial Law in 1972 up until 1981. After the snap presidential elections in 1986, a People Power Revolution deposed him from the palace and forced him and his family to flee to Honolulu, Hawaii. (from PNA story)

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