Wreath-laying, candle-lighting, and flaglet-setting ceremonies were held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on October 31, 2026, with the Philippine Army leading tributes to the country's fallen heroes ahead of All Souls' Day.
The event, formally named PASASALAMAT 2026, honored soldiers, national artists, national scientists, and former presidents buried at the cemetery, according to a press release issued by the Philippine Army Public Affairs Office on November 1, 2026.
Defense Chief Pays Tribute to Unidentified War Dead
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. delivered remarks during the ceremony, centering his message on the heroism of unknown soldiers — fallen service members who died in conflict but could not be identified because of the conditions surrounding their deaths. Secretary Teodoro also rendered a formal salute at the event.
The Philippine Army's Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, represented the service branch and expressed that the Army stands together with the Filipino people in remembering those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Security Maintained Across Three-Day Observance
Approximately 200 uniformed personnel were deployed for security at the LNMB covering October 31 to November 2, 2026, the Philippine Army PAO reported. The security contingent drew from Philippine Army units as well as personnel from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and the local government of Taguig City.
More Than 54,000 Remains Lie at LNMB
As of October 29, 2026, the Philippine Army PAO press release stated that approximately 54,568 remains are interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The Grave Services Unit of the Philippine Army Support Command noted that during the previous year's Undas observance, an estimated 90,000 visitors had been anticipated but actual foot traffic reached 99,233. For the 2026 observance, the unit has set a revised visitor estimate of 100,000.
Flaglets Placed at Graves of Fallen Soldiers
As part of the PASASALAMAT 2026 program, Philippine Army soldiers placed flaglets at the graves of fallen troops in a synchronized ceremony conducted alongside the candle-lighting and wreath-laying activities, according to the Philippine Army Public Affairs Office.
Source: Philippine Army Public Affairs Office