The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) flew the national flag at half-mast at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 13, as it mourned the passing of former military chief Rodolfo Biazon.
The Philippine flag flies at half-mast in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on June 13, 2023 in respect of former senator and AFP chief Rodolfo Biazon. He died on June 12, 2023 at the age of 88. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)
Gen. Andres Centino, AFP Chief of Staff, issued a directive to display the flag at half-mast in all military camps nationwide from June 13 to 18.
The display of the flag at half-mast means that it is lowered to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.
Under Republic Act 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of official announcement of the death of select government officials or individuals to be determined by the National Historical Institute (National Historical Commission of the Philippines).
Meanwhile, the remains of Biazon currently lie in state at The Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City which can be viewed by the public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June 13 to 18.
His remains will be transferred to the Senate of the Philippines for a necrological service.
The final wake will be slated on June 19 at the Holy Child Chapel at the headquarters of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Biazon will be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on June 20.
“Funeral honors will also be provided to the late general, including from the necrological rites at Camp Aguinaldo until his interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig,” the AFP public affairs office said.
Biazon died on Monday, June 12, at the age of 88.
In July 2022, Biazon was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent treatment, according to his son, incumbent Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino "Ruffy" Biazon. He caught pneumonia twice this year, and the second instance was far worse “which had further weakened his lungs.”
Biazon became the AFP Chief of Staff in 1991, earning him the privilege of becoming the first military chief from the rank of the Marines.
Prior to this, he also served as the AFP Vice Chief of Staff, Commanding General of AFP NCR Defense Command, and Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.
He also became a senator from 1992 to 1995, and from 1998 to 2010; and a congressman representing the lone district of Muntinlupa City from 2010 to 2016.