Top military generals absent at Marcos burial

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya and the commanding generals of the military’s major services – army, navy, and the air force – were absent at the private burial on Friday, November 18, of the late Philippine Dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

AFP spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said they were not available for the burial that was arranged last minute. 

Visaya and Army chief Lieutenant General Eduardo Año are out of the country. Air Force chief Edgar Fallorina and Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado had prior engagements. 

The highest-ranking officer present was the military’s No. 2, AFP vice chief of staff Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda who was serving as acting chief of staff. Miranda graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1983, the year former senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated, sparking massive protests against Marcos that eventually led to his ouster in February 1986.

Miranda handed over the flag to Marcos’ window Ilocos Norte Imelda Marcos. It was the last act during the ceremony before the tomb was closed. 

Miranda was accompanied by the vice chiefs of the major services – Army vice commander Major General Harold Cabreros, Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Rafael Mariano, and Air Force vice commander Major General Conrado Parra. 

Military generals also served as the ceremonial pallbearers – 2 from air force, 2 from army and one from the navy. 

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed during the campaign that he would allow the burial of the late Philippine dictator at the Libingan and it was one of his first orders as president. (READ: Duterte in Ilocos Norte: I will allow Marcos’ burial in heroes’ cemetery)

Martial law victims asked the Supreme Court to stop the burial, but the High Court junked the petitions. 

Duterte himself is in Lima, Peru for the APEC Summit. (READ: Duterte on Marcos burial: Let history judge, I followed law) – Rappler.com