The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) encouraged the public to remember troops who served the nation in observance of the All Saints’ Day on Friday. Nov. 1.
“This Undas, let us pause to remember the lives of those who have gone before us. May this observance bring peace and reflection to the families of our departed soldiers and honor to all the souls who served and protected our nation,” the AFP said.
The military also expressed hope that the memories of departed soldiers, sailors and marines, and airmen/airwomen will be kept alive “as we continue to serve with dedication and uphold their legacy of courage.”
At the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, the Philippine Army (PA) and a team of Boy Scourts and Girl Scouts honored departed heroes, former presidents, soldiers, former state leaders and national figures in a flaglet-setting and candlie lighting ceremony on the eve of All Saints’ Day on Oct. 31.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, said that the ceremony was held as a tribute to the “well-lived” lives of those who are interred at the Heroes’ Cemetery.
Meanwhile, the Grave Services Unit (GSU) of the Army Support Command assisted and secured visitors who paid their respects to their departed loved ones. A total of 53,824 remains are interred at LNMB as of October 21.
In light of the expected uptrend in the number of visitors, the Philippine Army deployed explosive and ordinance disposal (EOD), K9, signal personnel, military police (MP), and medical teams to strengthen the Army’s Task Force “Pag-alaala”.
Meanwhile, the Army leadership said that its units will fully support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring the safety and security of the public during the Undas’ observance.