「日刊まにら新聞」ウェブ

The Marcos family and their supporters returned Saturday morning to the Libingan ng mga Bayani for a Mass to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who was buried in the cemetery on Friday.

Marcos' eldest daughter, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, his son former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and ex First Lady Imelda Marcos celebrated mass with their supporters who were brought to the cemetery through several buses from Ilocos Norte.

Major Ray Tiongson, deputy Army spokesman, said at least 2,600 people were present during the Mass which happened Saturday morning.

Excerpts of the event were uploaded on Imee's Facebook account in the afternoon. Marcos Jr., also known as Bongbong, apologized for the surprise burial of his father.

"We are are sorry quite a bit because we did not announce properly the burial of my father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani," he told supporters.

He explained they only want to protect his father and the event itself after they received reports their critics were planning to conduct demonstrations during the funeral. They also don't want violence to break out between pro and anti Marcos groups.

"We are just fearful of a collision between groups who are pro-Marcos and those who are against the burial,' said Marcos.

He was satisfied with how the ceremony had ended. "The ceremony was beautiful. Very dignified, very solemn just like what our father wanted," he said.

In her speech, Imee Marcos, slammed those who wanted to disturb the funeral of his father.

"There are many noisy people there who look sickly and yellowish," she told supporters, explaining why they had to keep secret her father's burial.

The former First Lady said the long-awaited burial of her husband is just proper to a man who only thought of the welfare of Filipinos and the country.

"He told us the greatest honor is to have served the country," an emotional Imelda said.

Despite her husband being finally led to rest, Imelda expects more challenges along their way. She is confident they will surpass all trials "If you are in the side of the truth God is on your side." Emmanuel Tupas/DMS