500 soldiers deployed for Rizal rites

MANILA, Philippines – More than 500 soldiers will be deployed to secure the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Jose Rizal in Manila and Calamba on Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Saturday.

“To ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of our National Hero’s 150th Birthday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be providing security support to the Philippine National Police in the two engagements in Laguna and in Rizal Park, Manila,” Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Eduardo Oban Jr. said in a statement.

“This is done in light of safeguarding a peaceful celebration of our national hero’s birthday,” he added.

At Manila’s Rizal Park, popularly referred to as Luneta, the AFP said it would also provide four marching bands for musical accompaniment and firing detail for the event.

Also, five medical teams will be deployed to respond to health concerns during the celebration. The marching bands and the medical teams will come from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and the General Headquarters.

The commemoration of our national hero’s birthday at Rizal Park will be spearheaded by The National Parks Development Committee.

A flower offering to the national hero will be held, involving about 150,000 students, out-of-school youth, representatives of each city in Metropolitan Manila, business and government sectors as well as private individuals.

The National Capital Region Command was tasked to deploy security teams in support of the Philippine National Police within the venues where the celebrations will be held.

At the Rizal Shrine in Calamba Laguna, the AFP in collaboration with other government agencies, LGUs and the private sector will contribute to the formal celebration parade and ceremonial elements as well as marching bands.

The troops from the 2nd Infantry Division are in charge of securing the area in support of the PNP elements, the AFP said.