PNP, AFP confirm Marcos to be buried at Libingan today

Ferdinand Marcos during his oath-taking. FILE PHOTO

(Updated, 11:30 a.m.) The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday confirmed that the body of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. will be brought to the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig this morning.

National Capital Region Police Office Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde told dzMM that Marcos’ body was airlifted from Laoag, Ilocos Norte 9 a.m. Friday.

He said Marcos’ remains will possibly arrive before noon today.

A source from the AFP who requested anonymity said that “per the desire of the family, it will be a private burial and was requested held in confidentiality.”

“Military honors appropriate for the deceased will be rendered per existing AFP regulations. Notice was given to all concerned late (Thursday). The Marcos family will have a statement after the internment at a place to be announced,” the source added.

Media personnel and Marcos loyalists gather outside the Libingan ng mga Bayani just before the scheduled burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos. FRANCES MANGOSING/INQUIRER.net

An internal memorandum obtained by the Inquirer showed that the PNP expected major protests.

The memo read: “Today, 18 Nov 2016, is the burial of the late (President) Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

All PNP deployed as (Civil Disturbance Management personnel) be reminded of the following:

1. To strictly adhere to human rights.

2. (To observe) maximum tolerance; the rallyists will agitate us; avoid being agitated.

3. (To) maintain peace at all cost.

4. (To) arrest those who will disturb peace.” IDL/rga