With the immediate family members by her side, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos thanked their supporters and appealed for understanding for the family’s decision to bury the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos on short notice and in secret rites on Friday.
“Ako po’y humihingi ng pang unawa sa naging pasya ng aking pamilya na gawing payak, pribado at taimtim ang palibing sa aking ama upang hindi na masaling ang mga nagdaramdam,” she read from prepared statement delivered at Villamor Air Base where they proceeded after the burial.
(I am asking for understanding for the decision of my family to bury my father in a simple, private and solemn rite so as not to aggravate the pain of those who are hurting.)
The former President was buried on Friday noon at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, despite pending reconsideration pleas at the Supreme Court against it, and thousands still awaiting for justice from his two-decade rule.
READ: Marcos laid to rest in ‘sneaky’ rites at Libingan ng mga Bayani
The female Marcos thanked the supporters who backed the burial of her father, a fulfillment of his final request.
“Sa wakas napatupad sa araw na ito ang huling habilin ng aking minamahal na ama, ang dating Pangulong Ferdinand Edralin Marcos na maihimlay kasama ng kanyang mga kapwa sundalo,” she said.
(At last, the final wish of my father, former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, to be buried with his fellow soldiers has come true today.)
With immediate family by her side, Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos thanks supporters as her father, former President Ferdinand Marcos gets dying wish of being buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
READ: ‘Marcos has finally gotten his dying wish’
“Ako at ang aking pamilya ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat na nagpatotoo sa karapatan ng aking ama na mapanatag sa Libingan ng mga Bayani,” she added.
(My family and I wholeheartedly thank those who have made his burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani possible)
The governor also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, a close friend of the Marcoses, and the Supreme Court for allowing the burial.
“Una sa lahat, kay Pangulong Duterte na nagmungkahi nito, sa Korte Suprema na kinatigan ang pasyang ito at sa libo libong nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit sa aming pamilya,” she said.
(Credit goes to first and foremost, President Duterte who proposed this, and the Supreme Court, which backed this decision, and the thousands who love and care for our family.)
“Hindi man namin kayo kasama ngayon, hinding hindi namin malilimutan ang inyong malasakit at sakripisyo na nagpatupad sa makasaysayang pagtitipong ito,” she added, alluding to her father’s and family’s supporters.
(Although we may not be together now, we will never forget your concern and sacrifices so that this historical day may finally happen.) IDL/rga