Tomb of the unknown soldier ( libingan ng mga bayani)

''Where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing?''

Where have all the graveyards gone, long time ago?

Where have all the graveyards gone?

Gone to flowers, everyone.

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Libingan ng mga bayani is a national shrine for fallen war heroes of world war II. Established in 1947, it pays tribute to brave and gallant Filipino soldiers who defended our freedom. As I went to the cemetery and saw an unknown grave, I cant help but ponder?. Here lies the remain of an unsung hero who we will never  exactly know  how great is his contribution in defending our motherland.

Unmarked grave of a Filipino soldier

The bravery and courage of our soldiers is immortalized in the three pillars representing Luzon,Visayas and Mindanao.It has the inscription '' Here lies a Filipino soldier who's name is only known to God'.

           Most of the Bataan defenders are buried here, past presidents, national artists and AFP soldiers. 

The great Levi Celerio

Maximo Soliven

Pres. Diosdado Macapal

Carlos P Romulo

Angelo Reyes is also buried here???

    According to the AFP Regulations, there are 10 categories of deceased persons who are entitled to be interred at Heroes' Cemetery:

1. Medal of Valor awardees
2. The president of the Philippines as the commander-in-chief of AFP
3. The secretary of National Defense
4. The chief of staff of AFP
5. General/flag officers of the AFP
6. Active and retired military personnel of the AFP
7. Former AFP members who laterally entered/joined the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard
8. Veterans of Philippine Revolution of 1896, First World War, and World War II, as well as recognized guerrillas
9. Government dignitaries, statesmen, national artists and other deceased persons whose interment or re-interment has been approved by the commander-in-chief, Congress, or the secretary of National Defense.
10. Former presidents, former secretaries of National Defense, widows of former presidents, and former chiefs of staff.

Disqualifications:

• Personnel who were dishonorably separated, reverted, and/or discharged from the service
• Authorized personnel who were convicted by final judgment of an offense involving moral turpitude
• Corrupt officials

There is a move that the remains of the late Pres. Marcos be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani? He has not been tried or convicted in any court of law? but there are claims of oppression during his years of dictatorship. Let history be the judge? 

References
http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com 
Wikepedia