US envoy to visit 'neglected' Clark cemetery

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. is slated to visit today the Clark cemetery in this former US Air Force base following an appeal from US war veterans for the US federal government to provide regular funds for its upgrade and maintenance.

Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president and chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano said a visit to the cemetery is first in Thomas’ itinerary although he will also observe ongoing upgrading projects at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and then meet with Philippine Air Force officials based at the 600th Air Force Wing here.

Lt. Guy Hilbero, executive officer of the newly revived ceremonial 26th US Cavalry of the Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment here, said members of the US Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have deplored the US government’s “neglect” in preserving the cemetery, the only place in this former US base where the American flag still flutters alongside the Philippine flag.

The VFW wants the US to negotiate with the Philippine government so the cemetery could be administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission, a federal agency, or the National Cemetery Administration, a branch of the US Department of Veterans Affairs.