CEBU CITY – Former senator John Henry Osmeña’s remains were placed in a columbarium on Wednesday (Feb. 3) some 26 hours after his death.
According to his sister, Annie Osmeña-Aboitiz, Fr. John Jonah A. Orat, a close friend of the former senator, celebrated funeral Mass.
In attendance at the Skyline Garden Columbary in Cebu City were Osmeña’s brother, Lito, his nephews, nieces, grandson Johny Boy and staff members from both Cebu and Toledo cities.
“We asked his friends and supporters, please omit flowers and just offer Masses or Mass cards,” Aboitiz said in a statement.
The ceremony lasted only less than an hour.
His only son, John Gregory, was expected to be in Cebu soon, Aboitiz said.
The two chambers of Congress had already issued resolutions giving honor to Osmena and recognizing his contribution to the country. Philippine flags at the Senate and House of Representatives and the cities of Cebu and Toledo were flown at half-staff.