Crame, the general, to be honored at Libingan

Full military honors will be accorded today to Brig. Gen. Rafael Crame in a traditional high noon interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.

Senior Superitendent Leopoldo Bataoil, PNP public information officer, said the remains of the late general will be re-interred today at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, ending a standing feud among surviving heirs over whether or not to transfer the general’s remains from the Manila North Cemetery to Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Crame, who exemplified the bravery of a Filipino police officer, was known for his role in the quelling of the infamous Manila mutiny of 1921. He had been a soldier for 17 years before he joined the Philippine Constabulary. He was constabulary officer for 18 years.

For thwarting the mutiny, Crame was awarded the American Medal of Valor by then Governor General Francis Harrison which the former declined. In declining the honor, Crame’s famous words were: "I only did my duty."

Crame was the first Filipino chief of the PC. The headquarters of the Philippine National Police in Quezon City was named in his honor.

According to Bataoil, Crame’s remains were exhumed yesterday from the Manila North Cemetery. He died on Jan. 1, 1927.

Crame served as PC chief from 1917 until his death at the age of 64.

Former President Fidel Ramos, a former PC chief, is the guest of honor and speaker in today’s necrological services.

Bataoil said some of Crame’s surviving kin, and members of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), led by retired General Ernesto Gidaya, are expected to deliver eulogies today. Members of the PNP council of elders are also expected to attend the event.

The event will coincide with the observance of the PNP Recognition Day in commemoration of the joint anniversaries of the defunct PC, founded in 1901, and the Integrated National Police (INP), founded in 1975.

The PC and the INP were the forerunners of the PNP, which was established in 1991.

In the book, Konstable, The Story of the Philippine Constabulary, Crame was hailed for "his great modesty" after suppressing the uprising known as the "Manila Mutiny."

In 1919, Crame was also responsible for thwarting a labor dispute at Meralco in Manila.

During his term, Crame also helped stop Muslim outlaws in Jolo.

In the book, Crame was cited as the first Filipino PC chief "to gain the respect of the criminals he arrested and prosecuted."