More than 100 servicemen joined Friday’s rehearsal in preparation for the State funeral of former President Fidel V. Ramos slated Tuesday, 9 August.
Military forces continued the rehearsal despite a heavy downpour at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
The run-through includes carrying of the casket, walking towards the caisson, and the march or funeral procession from the Heritage Park towards the inurnment site.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Philippine Army spokesperson, said the inurnment ceremony will be “simple yet solemn” in accordance with the wishes of Ramos’ family.
As former Chief Executive and AFP’s commander-in-chief, Ramos will be accorded with a State funeral that involves the following: expenses for funeral services are defrayed by the State, and a Book of Condolence is opened for local and foreign dignitaries in the Philippines.
The term lying in State is used for public viewings during state funerals.
The national flag is being flown at half-mast in all Army camps and installations nationwide until 10 August 2022 in accordance with the ten-day mourning period declared by President Marcos last 1 August.
Reverential affair
Ramos will also be accorded with full military honors including a 21-gun salute in all “major” military camps, wearing of badge of mourning, and arrival honors.
On that day, the national flag draped on Ramos’ casket will be folded and presented by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to Ramos’ widow, Amelita “Ming” M. Ramos.
Two members of the uniformed service are detailed to stand guard by the casket.
Ramos, who was the 12th Philippine president, will join other former presidents Elpidio Quirino, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
About 100 square meters of grave site will be allotted for each president buried at the heroes cemetery.
Ramos passed away on 31 July 2022 at the age of 94.