Arroyo arrives in Baguio for Rizal Day rites

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrived in Baguio City Saturday afternoon in time for her attendance in the 111th death anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal on Sunday. A Malacañang statement said Mrs Arroyo arrived at Loakan Airport via chopper amid drizzle, after failing to land on the grounds of The Mansion, the official presidential summer residence. She arrived with first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, and son Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo. Daughter Lourdes Evangeline arrived in Baguio City December 26. This year's event will be held in San Fernando City in La Union province instead of Baguio City. The Rizal Day rites in San Fernando City will be held between the City Hall and the City Plaza, which are along the national highway to the Ilocandias. Mrs Arroyo will motor to the site from Camp Oscar Florendo, the seaside Ilocos police headquarters, where the presidential chopper will land from a 20-minute flight from Baguio City. Provincial and top military police officials and a 21-gun salute will welcome Mrs Arroyo. She will then lead the flag-raising ceremony flanked by La Union officials; and then lay a wreath for the national hero with AFP Chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Gov. Manuel Ortega. - GMANews.TV