Departed heroes honored at Libingan ng mga Bayani on Undas

The Philippine Army and a group of Boy and Girl Scouts honored heroes, former presidents, soldiers, ex-state leaders, and national figures at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on the eve of Undas.

In a statement on Friday, the Philippine Army said a flaglet-setting and candle-lighting ceremony was held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Thursday evening.

“The synchronized candle-lighting and flaglet-setting ceremony paid tribute to the 'well-lived' lives of soldiers, heroes, national artists and scientists and former Philippine presidents of the country who are interred at the heroes' cemetery,” the Philippine Army said.

“Meanwhile, the Grave Services Unit (GSU) of the Army Support Command assisted and secured visitors who paid their respects to their departed loved ones ahead of All Saints’ Day,” it added.

As of October 21, a total of 53,824 remains are interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

With the expected influx of visitors on Friday, the Philippine Army deployed explosive and ordnance disposal (EOD) unit, K9, signal personnel, military police, and medical teams as part of safety and security measures.

Around 84,300 people visited the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2023, according to the Philippine Army.

“The Army leadership assured the public that Army units will fully support the Philippine National Police in ensuring the safety and security of the observance of Undas 2024 across the country,” the Philippine Army said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News