Defense chief tells AFP to prepare Marcos burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday issued a memorandum ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to undertake the necessary preparations to have the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).

"[K]indly undertake the necessary planning and preparations to facilitate the coordination of all agencies concerned specially with the provisions for ceremonial and security requirements," the memorandum read, addressed to AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo R. Visaya.

According to Lorenzana, this is in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's verbal order to implement his campaign promise to have Marcos buried in the heroes' cemetery.

Duterte also earlier on Sunday reiterated his reasons for allowing Marcos to be buried at the Libingan amid opposition from several groups.

"I will allow Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. He was a soldier. He was there to fight for his country," he said, noting that he will let the Marcos family decide on the date.

Under the Memorandum, the AFP is ordered to "coordinate closely" with the Marcos family regarding the date of interment, as well as the transport of the remains from Ilocos Norte.

Lorenzana has also assigned the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to designate a focal person who shall be the official overseer of the event.

In line with this, Lorenzana has tasked Visaya to submit an Implementing Plan as soon as possible. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News