The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) paid its final tribute to the late former President Benignoy Aquino III on Saturday, July 24.
Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, AFP vice chief of staff, presided over the military honors held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, and was simultaneously observed in various camps nationwide.
"As the mandated defenders of the state and the Filipino people, it shall be our distinct honor and privilege to carry on with the Former Commander-in-Chief’s aspiration of a truly peaceful and progressive Philippines," Gloria said.
The military held a final salute to the deceased former Commander-in-Chief which was symbolized by shooting three volleys of fire. All military personnel also removed the black mourning bands which they wore on their left arms.
The Philippine flag at the AFP General Headquarters were also lowered as part of the culmination of the month-long military mourning.
Aside from Camp Aguinaldo, other camps that carried out the final military tribute include the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; Philippine Air Force headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City; and Philippine Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila.
Regional commanders also paid their final respects at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City; Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) in Camp Aquino, Tarlac; Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) in Camp Nakar, Quezon; Western Command (WESCOM) in Camp Ricarte, Puerto Princesa City; Central Command (CENTCOM) in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City; Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) headquarters in Camp Panacan, Davao City; and Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) in Zamboanga city.
The AFP observed a 30-day military mourning from the day of Aquino's official notice of death on June 25.
Aquino died on June 24 due to renal disease, secondary to diabetes. The former president served from 2010 to 2016 and was succeeded by incumbent President Duterte.
During his term, Aquino enacted Republic Act 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Act in 2012 to revitalize themilitary's slow-paced modernization program.
"President Benigno Aquino III's initiatives and advocacies to professionalize and modernize the AFP shall not be forgotten. His untainted passion and dedication for public service is one that we resolve to emulate," Gloria said.