Libingan ng mga Bayani

Veterans Memorial and Historical Division [02/01/2016]

The Libingan Ng Mga Bayani was established as a fitting tribute to the gallant men who brought honor to the country for the sake of freedom and democracy. As per Presidential Proclamation No. 208 LNMB is placed under the administration of the Military Shrines Service, PV AO, DND. The shrine is now under the administration and maintenance of the Grave Services Unit (GSU) under the Army Support Command (ASCOM) of the Philippine Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines. The mission of the GSU is to provide grave services to the deceased Military Personnel who died in line of duty or to those who were honorably discharged, Filipino veterans, former Presidents, Government Dignitaries, Statesmen and National Artists.

Features and Facilities

Entrance Wall: The identical walls just a few steps away from the entrance gate bears the quotation from General Douglas MacArthur during his sentimental journey to the Philippines in 1961.

Heroes Memorial Gate: A structure shaped in the form of a large concrete tripod with a stairway leading to an upper view deck and a metal sculpture at the center. This is the first imposing structure one sees upon entering the grounds of the cemetery complex.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers: The main structure constructed at the center of the cemetery. This is the site where wreath-laying ceremonies are held when Philippine government officials and foreign dignitaries visit the LNMB.

The following inscription is found on the tomb: "Here lies a Filipino soldier whose name is known only to God." Behind the tomb are three marble pillars representing the three main island groups in the Philippines - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

Buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers were the remains of 39,000 Filipino soldiers who were originally buried in Camp O'Donnell Concentration Camp and Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.

Korean Pylon: The Pylon is a towering monument honoring the 116 Filipino officers and men who were members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) who perished during the Korean War.

Yearly Commemoration

Libingan ng mga Bayani: The Libingan ng mga Bayani is a sphere-like structure often used as a place for social gatherings. It also serves as the reception area after the Wreath-laying Ceremony held every 5th day of April as part of the annual commemoration of the Philippine Veterans Week.