Noy to lead Heroes’ Day rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino is expected to lead on Monday the celebration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani 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 country’s freedom.

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 will render Aquino full military honors upon his arrival at the cemetery.

The Army has also directed all its posts, camps, bases and stations to display the national flag at half-mast from 5 a.m. to noon on Monday to honor “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 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 9492, which moved the commemoration to the last Monday of August.