FINAL TRIBUTE Pallbearers carry the casket of former senator and military chief Rodolfo Biazon to his final resting place at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. —RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines — Former legislator and military chief Rodolfo Biazon was laid to rest with full military honors on Tuesday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Soldiers fired a 19-gun salute upon the arrival of his remains at the cemetery, where a funeral procession leading to his final resting place immediately followed.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino, other defense officials, military top brass, and retired servicemen joined Biazon’s family and friends for the burial rites.
Biazon, the only AFP chief in history to come from the Philippine Marine Corps, died on June 12 at the age of 88 after battling lung cancer and pneumonia.
“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,” Ileto said.
“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,” he added.
On Monday afternoon, Biazon’s remains were brought to the Marines headquarters in Taguig City, where he served as commandant from 1987 to 1989. Active and retired Marines gathered on the eve of his funeral, with some of them delivering eulogies for the departed statesman and military chief.
Biazon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Class of 1961, was elected to the Senate in 1992. He later served as congressman of Muntinlupa City in the House of Representatives before retiring from politics in 2016.