Dictator’s birthday a reunion in Marcos turf

BATAC CITY—There were no overtures for a hero’s burial this time.

To the children of the dead dictator Ferdinand Marcos, their father’s 95th birthday was merely a reunion of family members, close allies and supporters of the dictator.

The government may have continued rejecting a hero’s burial for Marcos but to the eyes of his supporters here, he is one.

A government survey that President Aquino initiated early in his term showed that Filipinos supported burial for Marcos in his turf, Ilocos Norte.

The Marcos family prepared four days of activities leading up to Marcos’ birthday at the family’s ancestral home in this city, where his remains are kept in a refrigerated mausoleum since 1993.

The Batac plaza, in front of the Marcos mansion, was closed to traffic for the celebration while trees and posts were lined with huge tarpaulins bearing Marcos’ face.

Unlike in previous years when September 11 was a nonworking holiday for Ilocos Norte, Malacañang did not issue an order suspending work and classes in the province.

Early visitors were mostly mayors, local government employees and family guests.

But people wearing red shirts belonging to the Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos (Firm) filled the Immaculate Conception Church where Mass was offered for the late dictator.

Governor Imee Marcos, the dictator’s eldest child, said her father’s birthday was an occasion to reconnect with relatives, friends and neighbors.

“We are delighted to see old, familiar faces here in Batac. It is a big gathering for relatives and families whom we have known from way back,” she said.

When asked about the family’s final plans for a hero’s burial, Imee said: “The family has always said that our father deserves it.”

Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos was silent on her husband’s final resting place when she addressed the church crowd after Mass.

“Ferdinand must be happy now. He always wanted peace and this he gave to the people. He has become a man for others,” she said.

She said she has surrendered the fate of the family’s clamor for a hero’s burial for Marcos to the “heavens.”

She said her family was thankful that Marcos’ birthday celebration in Ilocos Norte has been growing bigger.

But members of Imelda’s group, Firm, said their numbers are declining.

“We are fewer now since life has become difficult,” said Firm member Leonida Rizaga. “We came here on our own and paid for our fare and food.”