Marcos reps scout Libingan ng mga Bayani

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) — The Marcos family has sent representatives to look for a site at the 103-hectare Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City where they want former President Ferdinand Marcos buried.

Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said the visit took place last Friday and had covered the area they preferred.

"There is still no official directive regarding the burial of former president (Ferdinand Marcos). What is happening right now is in anticipation of a formal order, everything that is taking place right now is in anticipation of the burial order," Hao said.

He clarified that the Army is not involved in the preparations, but will help once the final directive is issued.

Representatives of the Marcos family coordinated with the Army regarding entry to the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

Apparently, the family also coordinated with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) as it is the agency tasked to supervise and monitor activities in the military cemetery, Hao added.

Malacañang on Sunday night said the PVAO was tasked to supervise the planning and preparation for the internment of the former president.

According to a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office, preparations for the internment of the former president "is now underway."

"The PVAO, the government office that supervises and administers the Libingan (ng mga Bayani), has been designated as the office of primary responsibility for the planning and preparations for this activity, including close coordination with the Marcos family," it said.

Earlier reports said President Rodrigo Duterte has given the go signal for the transfer of Marcos' remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and the internment was reportedly targeted on September 18.

Marcos led the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, the longest for a Philippine president. He declared Martial Law in 1972 and ruled under this set-up until 1981.

He was toppled by the world famous peaceful People Power Revolution in 1986 and fled to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he died on Sept. 28, 1989. — Priam F. Nepomuceno