Flags flown at half-mast today as Roco is interred in Naga City

All Philippine flags will be flown at half-mast today as former lawmaker, education secretary and presidential candidate Raul Roco is interred in his hometown of Naga City.

According to the National Historical Institute, it is mandated under Section 27 of the implementing guidelines of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines that the "national flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places where it is displayed, as provided on the day of the official announcement of the death of... former national and local government officials, appointed or elected... on the day of interment within their former respective territorial jurisdictions."

The 63-year-old Roco died last Friday at the St. Luke’s Medical Center after a long bout with prostate cancer.

After a three-day simple and private wake at the Dela Strada chapel along Katipunan Road in Quezon City, Roco’s remains were flown by his family to Naga City.

Roco, who took every opportunity to proudly announce that he was a Bicolano, received a hero’s welcome from his kababayan.

Television footage showed the Pili airport filled with relatives and supporters who patiently waited for the chartered 19-seater Dornier 228 airplane that carried Roco’s dark green casket.

Emotions went high when Roco’s 89-year-old mother Rosario and wife Sonia embraced, as if drawing strength from one another.

Children and old alike lined up the city roads to take a glimpse of his casket hoisted up in a truck adorned with flowers.

White balloons were released, while floral flags and white handkerchiefs were waved while his casket was passing by. It took three hours to reach the Ateneo de Naga chapel where Roco’s remains were laid.

"We were surprised by the outpouring of support and sympathy for our family. People went out to see my brother. It was really emotional. We are thankful for everything," said Roco’s younger brother, Sulpicio Jr., a former congressman of Camarines Sur.

According to Sulpicio, a Mass will be offered for his brother at the Peñafrancia Basilica at about 10 a.m. today, officiated by Naga Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi.

The Philippine Army will offer Roco a 21-gun salute before his burial. Many offices and schools have expressed their intention to close to allow their employees, students and teachers to take part in the burial.

Sulpicio said his brother had requested to be buried beside their late father, Sulpicio Sr., but they found the place too small. Instead, the family acquired a new spot nearby where they plan to put up a mausoleum.