Former senator and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Rodolfo Biazon was laid to his final resting place at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City on Tuesday, June 20.
(Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The AFP rendered traditional military funeral honors to Biazon, who served as the military chief in 1991 under the late president Cory Aquino’s administration. He was the first AFP chief who came from the ranks of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).
The arrival honors started at 11 a.m. as honor guards escorted the casket bearing the remains of the former AFP chief to his grave site.
The Philippine flag which was draped over Biazon’s casket was handed by Gen. Andres Centino, AFP Chief of Staff, to the late general’s wife, Monserrat.
“The AFP provided appropriate military honors to the late General Biazon in recognition of his legacy and sacrifices as a soldier and head of the military. Funeral honors is the military’s way of giving final tribute and honors in perpetuation of the memory to a dearly departed brave fellow soldier,” said Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of AFP public affairs office.
Prior to this, Biazon’s remains had also been brought to the Marine headquarters in Taguig City on Monday, June 19. Biazon had served as the Marine commandant from 1987 to 1989.
“Gen. Biazon is an epitome of a Marine who lives a life full of human experience and discernment that he manifested during the turbulent time of the Philippine Republic,” Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas, PMC Commandant, said as he reminisced about working with the former Marine chief.
In 1989, Biazon was serving as the commander of the AFP’s National Capital Region (NCR) Defense Command when he successfully quelled an attempt by soldiers who joined rebel forces to occupy Camp Aguinaldo, the AFP General Headquarters, in one of the many coup attempts under the Aquino matriarch’s administration.
“This is why we are rendering our snappiest salute to him as our faithfulness in showing our supreme respect to a legendary Marine General,” Rojas added.
Biazon died on June 12 at the age of 88 after battling pneumonia.
Ileto extended the AFP’s condolences to the family and friends of the late general.
“As Chief of Staff, he played a pivotal role in inspiring our soldiers to defend the country’s democracy and upholding the integrity of our armed forces. His commitment to public service extended into his political career, serving as a senator who championed key legislations and advocated for the welfare of our countrymen,” Ileto said.
“His legacy will be remembered not only by the armed forces but also by the nation as a whole. His leadership and integrity will continue to inspire future generations of servicemen and public servants,” he added.