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True to Governor Imee R. Marcos' word that the family wants only a simple soldier's burial for Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM), he was laid to rest at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (LNMB) today in a private ceremony.
The burial followed more than 27 years after Marcos' death in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, in September 28, 1989.
It arose as a promise of President Rodrigo R. Duterte during this year's presidential campaign. He then ordered the burial last July 11.
On November 8, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled the said order as lawful, clearing the burial of any legal impediments.
The ruling followed several rallies by pro-burial groups including mass action like the Kailian March from Ilocos Norte to the SC, and the 'Illumin8' prayer walk and vigil on the night preceding the release of the final decision.
Keeping the funeral simple, the Marcoses chose a palochina or pine wooden coffin for the former president, World War II veteran, medal of valor recipient, and former defense secretary.
"Ako at ang aking pamilya ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat na nagpatotoo sa karapatan ng aking ama na mapanatag sa [LNMB]," said Gov. Marcos on behalf of the family.
She added, "Kasama namin kayong nangarap at nanalangin sa halos tatlong dekada na makita ang araw na ito. Kaya naman ako po'y humihingi ng dispensa at pang-unawa sa naging pasya ng aking pamilya na gawing payak, pribado at taimtim ang paglibing sa aking ama upang hindi na masaling ang mga nagdaramdam."
The Ilocano community shared that they would always be grateful for what FEM had done, not only for Ilocanos but for all Filipinos.
"Ang paghihimlay sa kanya ay tanda ng paghihilom, kapatawaran, at kapayapaan tungo sa progresibong kinabukasan ng ating bansang Pilipinas. Ipinagmamalaki ka namin sa buong mundo, Apo Lakay!"
Loyalists groups echoed the message of national unity and healing: "Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagsisilbi sa kapwa at sa ating bansa, gayundin ang paghikayat ng katahimikan, kapayapaan, at pagkakaisa."
The family statement continued, "Dama namin ang inyong matinding hangaring maihatid ang aking ama sa kanyang huling himlayan… Hinding-hindi namin malilimutan ang inyong malasakit at sakripisyo na nagpatupad sa makasaysayang pagtitipong ito.
"Walang hanggang pasasalamat. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas."
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