Army prepares Libingan ng mga Bayani for Undas

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army is readying the Libingan ng mga Bayani (heroes’ cemetery) for the influx of visitors for the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day this weekend.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said their Grave Services Unit is stepping up preparations to ensure the convenience of visitors who will visit the 103-hectare facility.

“Under the Army's 'Oplan Pagmamahal,' the Philippine Army ensures that the Libingan ng mga Bayani will be ready for the upcoming Undas (All Saints’ Day),” Detoyato said in a statement.

“Among the preparations are the improvement of the grave site, repair and rehabilitation of existing structures, and establishment of street lights, spotlights and collapsible tents,” he added.

Detoyato said a public assistance and information center would be set up to help relatives locate the graves of their departed loved ones.

“Personnel from the Grave Services Unit will be available to serve as guide to the visitors,” he said.

Various military units have been tasked to provide security to the cemetery, which serves as a tribute to deceased soldiers and other prominent Filipinos.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams and medical teams from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will be deployed to provide security and medical support to visitors.

Traffic marshals will also be positioned in various points to ensure smooth traffic flow and to direct visitors to authorized parking areas.

The Philippine National Police, Metro Manila Development Authority, Boy Scout of the Philippines, Fort Bonifacio High School Citizenship Advancement Training, Camp Aguinaldo Fire Station, and the Taguig City Medic Team will also send personnel to assist visitors.

The Libingan ng mga Bayani serves as a home to deceased presidents, dignitaries, national artists, scientists, boy scouts, war veterans, and Armed Forces chiefs.

It was established in May 1947 as the Republic Memorial Cemetery and was renamed Libingan ng mga Bayani on October 27, 1954.