Controversial former Chief of Staff Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes who was allegedly involved in military fund scandal buried as a hero yesterday at the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines.
A 19-gun salute was accorded to Reyes a full military honor from the AFP as a country’s gratitude for his excellent service to the nation. Followed by the playing of Taps in the midst of howling love ones, family members, relatives and friends while the soldiers rendered their final salute indicating his journey in this world has ended.
Estimated to 2,000 including military and civilians joined the funeral march leaving from Camp Aguinaldo at about 10:00 a.m. and arrived at the cemetery past 11:00 a.m.
During arrival of his remains, a 19-gun salute was accorded to Reyes followed the transfer from a black funeral car to a caisson which bearing the Philippine flag draped the white casket slowly moved toward the final rest of Reyes.
Following the funeral are his all dressed in white and teary-eyes grand children and widow Teresita-, Chief of Staff General Ricardo A. David Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and other family member of Reyes, relatives, colleagues and friends.
In the tomb at the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”, before the end of ceremony Reyes widow and sons were weeping then dropped petals on the casket.
Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was also among the mourners in the burial rites whom Reyes served loyally most especially during the time of the four unsuccessful military rebellions in her presidency.
Together at the burial rites were the 63-year-old Arroyo who was arrived shortly before 11:00 a.m., Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, former AFP chiefs of staff Gen. Dionisio Santiago, Efren Abu, Generoso Senga, Hermogenes Esperon, Delfin Bangit, Victor Ibrado, Benjamin Defensor, Alexander Yano; and also retired navy Chief Vice Admiral Luisito Fernandez, former Defense Secretaries Ramon Martinez, Antonio Romero, and Antonio Santos, Gen. Nestor David, AFP chief of staff, Army chief Gen. Arturo Ortiz, Navy Chief Rear Admiral Alexander Pama and Air Force Chief Brig. Gen. Oscar Ravena and many others including Reyes cl(–foul word(s) removed–)mates in the PMA were also attended in honor the late Reyes.
The interment ceremony ended with Marc thanking the people supporting their family with a brief message.
Reyes was among the most prominent generals in the country who spent his life to serve the country starting 1962 as PMA cadet graduated seventh in their cl(–foul word(s) removed–) in 1966. Eventually became the AFP chief of staff in 1999 – 2001 which is the prime of his life in the country service.
