Marcoses celebrate 100th birth anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos at LNMB

Marking the 100th birth anniversary of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., militant groups and supporters of late strongman went to the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City on Monday, September 11. (Photo By derivative work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Marking the 100th birth anniversary of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., militant groups and supporters of late strongman went to the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City on Monday, September 11.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is expected to execute tight security in and around the Libingan today. Based on reports, security personnel have been stationed to form a line in between the two groups.

Lt. Col. Rey Tiongson, Army spokesman told reporters yesterday that the security inside the hereos’ cemetery “is the same security” they are providing.

“We have contingencies in place to support the PNP if necessary in the event that there will be rallies,” he said “We will provide adequate personnel to support the PNP for the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) if necessary,” Tiongson added.

Media coverage was also banned in compliance with the Marcoses’ request for a private celebration inside the cemetery.

On the other hand, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos had invited House members and senators to take part in the said celebration.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte said he won’t be attending the birth anniversary as he will still be in Davao City and is expected to fly back in Manila on Monday night.

In accordance with the Marcoses’ request, Duterte has issued Proclamation no. 310 last Thursday declaring Marcos centennial as a non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte. The president justified that Marcos was the greatest president for the Ilocanos. He questioned why there is a need to debate on that when it’s only a day where they can celebrate the anniversary of a great Ilocano.

Furthermore, protestors said that they will conduct mass protests at the Libingan to condemn Duterte’s “political rehabilitation.”

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that different groups will assemble outside the cemetery to show that the people have not forgotten and that the people will continue to fight for justice.

Aside from the protestors and supporters who gathered outside LNMB, netizens also expressed their opinions and reactions on their social media accounts about the celebration of Marcos’ birth anniversary.

Happy #Marcos100.

May his birthday rekindle our people’s commitment to democracy, human rights, good governance, & honesty.

Never again.

— florin hilbay (@fthilbay) September 11, 2017

#SalamatAPO #Marcos100
Remembering a great president who spearheaded progress in PH, but even then there were power grabbers. So sad. https://t.co/kTnIFJmvAA

— Celia Asico (@CeliaAsico) September 11, 2017

“WINTER HAS NOT COME YET FOR THE LEGACY OF FEDINAND MARCOS”
Maraming Salamat Apo Lakay!#SalamatAPO #Marcos100 @bongbongmarcos @mmmanotoc pic.twitter.com/v88fWcIfIi

— Federick Baltazar ✌️ (@iamrickbaltazar) September 10, 2017

Only in the Philippines is a thief given a special holiday. September 11. Salamat Digong. #Marcos100

— Renato Reyes, Jr. (@natoreyes) September 7, 2017

A red carpet for a dictator

We will never honor his birthday #marcos100 #marcosARTrocities #NeverAgain #ArtPH pic.twitter.com/rBktR2MulT

— rae (@aesharae) September 10, 2017

3,275 EJKs
35,000 tortured
70,000 jailed
$10,000,000,000 stolen #Marcos100 #NeverAgain #MarcosNotAHero

— Regis Andanar (@RegisAndanar) September 11, 2017