Spirit Of EDSA Is Alive

source: mb.com.ph/

MANILA, Philippines — "The spirit of EDSA is alive in the AFP," Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday.

Burgos also announced the participation of a contingent of some 2,000 Armed Forces personnel during the reenactment of events vital to the success of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. He also said that the civil disturbance management, security, and medical teams composed of about 500 AFP personnel will also be deployed during the 26th EDSA anniversary celebration Saturday.

The AFP civil disturbance management teams will support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in keeping security and order during the celebration.

Aside from the "salubungan," the AFP will also take part in the symbolic turnover of up to 21,800 houses for AFP and PNP personnel, Burgos said. The "salubungan" will take place following the flag- raising ceremony at 9 a.m. at the People Power monument. It will feature the historic communion of civilians and military personnel that was vital in the success of the EDSA revolution, Burgos said. Aside from 2,000 AFP personnel, some 200 ROTC cadets and 100 veterans will also participate in the reenactment, he added.

President and AFP Commander-in-Chief, Benigno S. Aquino III will be the event’s guest of honor. Among the expected attendees are Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Executive Secretary and EDSA People Power Commission chair Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma, and PNP Chief Director-General Nicanor A. Bartolome.

source: mb.com.ph/