The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is prepared to bring former Commander in Chief and President Fidel V. Ramos to his final resting place at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City on Tuesday, August 9.
The Philippine Army (PA), which had been rehearsing the state funeral for Ramos along with honor guards from other major services of the AFP, said all systems were in place for the ceremony.
The ceremony will start at 10 a.m. at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.
“A battalion-sized contingent of honor guards will tender funeral departure honors for the late president at Heritage Park, where the cremated remains of the former commander-in-chief currently lies in state,” said Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad.
The soldiers will then accompany the convoy of the former first family and other VIP guests for the procession of his urn to the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Upon arrival at the Heroes’ Cemetery, a second battalion-sized contingent will accord funeral arrival honors for the remains of the late president.
“The honor guards will then join a composite team in the funeral march to the inurnment site. Full military honors and a 21-gun salute will conclude the state funeral,” Trinidad said.
Meanwhile, the two-day public viewing for the late president wrapped up on Monday, August 8, with supporters lined up at the Heritage Park even amidst occasional rains to honor the life and legacy of the former president.
Philippine flags at camps and military installations nationwide are being flown at half-staff in mourning of FVR’s passing.
Soldiers also wore black armbands on their uniform’s left sleeve in accordance with the military tradition on the passing of a former commander-in-chief.