The death of former President Fidel V. Ramos on Sunday, July 31, reverberated throughout the uniformed service as tributes continued to pour in for him.
The Philippine flag in Camp Aguinaldo was flown at half-mast on Monday, August 1, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed “solidarity to the grieving nation” over the passing of its former Chief of Staff and Commander-in-Chief.
This will be observed in all military camps nationwide. Cannon salutes from 105mm Howitzers were also heard at the AFP General Headquarters.
It started at 5 a.m. with an eight-gun salute, then followed by one-gun salute every 30 minutes that will end at 5 p.m. on Monday.
“As part of its mandate, the AFP is prepared to render traditional military funeral services as our final salute to the departed former Commander-in-Chief,” Col. Medel Aguilar, acting AFP spokesperson, said.
Ramos’ family said in a statement that it will announce the details of the wake and funeral arrangements soon.
The Philippine flag in Camp Aguinaldo is flown at half mast as the Armed Forces of the Philippines grieves over the passing of former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos. @manilabulletin (: Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP acting spokesperson) pic.twitter.com/HLzupu1eGK
— Martin Sadongdong (@MB_mrtnsdngdng) August 1, 2022
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it was during the Ramos presidency in 1998 when the PCG was transferred from the Department of National Defense (DND) to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“We express our sincere condolences to the bereaved family of former President Ramos. He was a leader who exemplified patriotism and served fellow Filipinos with utmost selflessness,” said Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG commandant.
The PCG chief said the lessons that the management learned from Ramos will “forever inspire us to make the PCG a symbol of hope and pride of our great nation.”
“Mr. President, Sir, rest in peace. We will continue to pursue the path of public service you trailblazed,” Abu concluded.
Ramos died at the age of 94 reportedly due to complications brought by Covid-19.
Ramos was the 12th President of the Republic of the Philippines, having served from 1992 to 1998.
He was also the 18th Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) and served from Jan. 22, 1988 to July 18, 1991.
Prior to this, he also became the AFP Chief of Staff from 1986 to 1988 under the term of the late former Pres. Corazon “Cory” Aquino.