(Eagle News) — The late President Ferdinand Marcos has now been laid to rest at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in tightly secured proceedings where media coverage was barred.
The funeral rites were supposed to have started at around 11:30 a.m., and by 12:40 p.m., people were seen leaving the compound of the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
There was a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps,” according to Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde, head of the National Capital Regional Office of the Philippine National Police National (PNP-NCRPO).
“The first family was complete,” he said.
Albayalde said that 21-gun salute was customary for all military commanders, or for any soldier for that matter.
The whole proceedings lasted for about an hour, he said.
Albayalde said that he had a meeting with former Senator Ferdinand Marcos two weeks ago.
Originally, Sen. Marcos wanted the burial to happen on a Sunday, he said, but later in a meeting with Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos on Monday, she said that it could happen any day.
“Kami naman, matagal nang naka-prepare,” Albayalde said in an interview.
“It was all very solemn,” he said describing the burial ceremonies.
Shortly after the burial ceremonies, Governor Imee Marcos released a video capturing the highlights of the rites at the National Heroes’ Cemetery. The short video ended with the words, “Salamat Apo.”
Most of Marcos’ close family members wore white, except for former First Lady Imelda Marcos who wore a black terno.
Media was barred from entering the compound. Most of them reported the event while stationed outside the main gate of the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
There was a confidential meeting on Wednesday, according to Marcos loyalist Cherry Cobarrubias about the supposed burial of the late president today.
Malacanang officials claimed they themselves were surprised with the burial at 12 noon Friday.
