PNoy to lead National Heroes' Day rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III is expected to lead on Monday the celebration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (heroes’ cemetery) in Fort Bonifacio.

A simple wreath laying ceremony will be held at around 8 a.m. to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought for the freedom of the country.

Top government, military and police officials, members of the diplomatic corps, students and veterans will also witness the event.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said the military would render full military honors to Aquino upon his arrival to the cemetery.

The Army has also directed all its posts, camps, bases and stations to display the national flag at half-mast on Monday to honor to those who died serving the country. The raising of flags at half-mast will start at 5 a.m. until 12 noon.

“The Philippine Army will implement the half-staffing of national flag to pay tribute to our Filipino heroes, particularly soldiers fallen during combat or while performing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” Hao said.

Under the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the flag can be flown at half-mast or half-staff during the death anniversary of heroes and heroines, calamities or grave adversity, and national or international solemnity as ordered by the president.

The flag can also be lowered to half-mast as a sign or mourning upon official announcement of the death of select government officials or other individuals determined by the National Historical Institute.

National Heroes' Day is a holiday celebrated on the last Monday of August. Its celebration was institutionalized in 1931 through Act no. 3827 of the Philippine Legislature. The holiday was initially celebrated every last Sunday of August.

In 2007, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act no. 9492, which moved the commemoration on the last Monday of August.