60k visitors to flock Libingan ng mga Bayani

From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): 60k visitors to flock Libingan ng mga Bayani

As many as 60,000 people are expected to visit the Libingan ng mga Bayani (heroes’ cemetery) this weekend, the Army said Thursday. Cabunoc said they do not expect any untoward incident during the long weekend despite the influx of visitors. “The number of expected visitors (at the Libingan ng mga Bayani) ranges from 50,000 to 60,000 daily,” Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said in an interview. “We do not see untoward incidents happening because the soldiers securing the cemetery are organized,” he said. Cabunoc said about 100 soldiers have been deployed to secure the burial facility. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams and Ambu-Medic Teams have also been positioned for security and medical support. Cabunoc said the Army’s Grave Services Unit has undertaken the necessary preparations to ensure the convenience of the cemetery’s visitors.... The 117-hectare Libingan ng mga Bayani serves as tribute to deceased soldiers and other prominent Filipinos. It serves as the final resting place of deceased presidents, dignitaries, national artists, scientists, boy scouts, and Armed Forces chiefs. Among those interred in the cemetery are President Carlos Garcia and President Diosdado Macapagal, veterans of World War II and the Korean War and Medal for Valor awardees. It was established in May 1947 as the Republic Memorial Cemetery and was renamed Libingan ng mga Bayani on October 27, 1954. More than 47,000 have been interred in the heroes’ cemetery, which is being administered by the Army....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=865780