The Department of National Defense (DND) gave arrival honors to the late Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The DND rendered Arrival Honors for the late former Defense Minister/Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile,” the Department said in a statement.

The Defense Secretary led the ceremony as defense senior officials, employees, and Enrile’s family gathered at the DND grounds to honor his legacy and decades of dedicated service to the nation.

According to the DND, a ceremony will be held to further pay tribute to the life, leadership, and contributions of Enrile.

Enrile’s remains are scheduled to be interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on November 22.

The following details were shared for his interment on the said date:

  • 8:15 a.m. – funeral mass at Santuario de San Antonio Church
  • 10:00 a.m. – arrival honors at Libingan ng Mga Bayani
  • 11:00 a.m. – interment

“We invite you to join us as we lay Juan Ponce Enrile to rest on November 22 at Libingan ng mga Bayani…Funeral Mass: 8:15 a.m. Burial to follow. Come as you are, with whatever is in your heart,” the family said.

“For a century, he walked among us. Now we walk him home…Whatever memories you carry of Juan Ponce Enrile: as statesman, as controversial figure, as mentor, as friend, we welcome you to stand with us in prayer as we release him to God’s mercy,” it added.

A military spokesperson stated that Enrile will receive military honors and a 21-gun salute.

“Yes, the interment will be at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Preparations would be for the interment ceremony with military honors and the 21-gun salute,” the spokesperson said in a message.

The Senate will also hold a ceremony for Enrile on November 19.

Enrile passed away on November 13 at the age of 101 while receiving treatment for pneumonia.

He served as the secretary of Justice from 1968 to 1970 and secretary/minister of National Defense from 1970 to 1971 and then 1972 to 1986, before returning to the legislature where he later became Senate president from 2008 to 2013.

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Camp Aguinaldo

Camp Aguinaldo is a major military camp in Quezon City, Philippines, which serves as the headquarters of the Department of National Defense. It was established in 1935 and named after Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines. The camp is historically significant as a key site during the 1986 People Power Revolution that led to the fall of the Marcos regime.

Quezon City

Quezon City was founded in 1939 and served as the national capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976, replacing Manila. It was named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, who envisioned a new capital city. Today, it is the most populous city in the Philippines and a major center for government, education, and commerce.

Libingan ng mga Bayani

The Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery of the Heroes) is a national cemetery in Taguig, Philippines, established in 1947 to honor Filipino military personnel who died in service. It has since been expanded to inter other notable Filipinos, including presidents, national artists, and scientists, serving as the country’s premier resting place for its honored citizens.

Taguig City

Taguig City is a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, Philippines, originally established as a fishing village during the Spanish colonial era. It has transformed dramatically from an agricultural municipality into a major financial and commercial hub, best known for the Bonifacio Global City. This modern central business district stands on land that was formerly part of a large American military base, Fort McKinley.

Santuario de San Antonio Church

The Santuario de San Antonio Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Forbes Park, Makati, Philippines. It was established in the early 1980s by the Franciscan Capuchin friars to serve the growing community in the area. The church is known for its modern architectural design and is a prominent spiritual and community center in the city.

Department of National Defense

The Department of National Defense is the government ministry responsible for managing a nation’s military forces and ensuring its national security. Its history is typically tied to the formation of the modern state, often evolving from earlier war or army departments to coordinate all military branches under a unified civilian-led command. Its primary function is to implement defense policy and oversee the armed forces.

Senate

The Senate is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It provides equal representation with two senators for each state, and its members were originally chosen by state legislatures until the 17th Amendment mandated direct popular election in 1913. The Senate holds unique powers, including confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties.

Justice

“Justice” as a cultural concept is not a single place but a foundational principle of law and morality. Historically, its symbolism is often embodied in physical sites like courthouses, which serve as institutions where legal disputes are resolved and societal order is maintained. The concept itself dates back to ancient civilizations, with iconic representations such as the Greek goddess Themis or the Roman Lady Justice, who is depicted blindfolded and holding scales to signify impartiality and fairness.