The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) marked the 76th anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) on Thursday, November 5, 2026, with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Marine Heroes' Monument in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, honoring the generations of Filipino Marines who died in service of the nation.
At a glance
- Event: wreath-laying for the 76th anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps
- When and where: November 5, 2026, Marine Heroes' Monument, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
- Led by: AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete
- Received by: PMC Commandant Brig. Gen. Bob R. Apostol PN(M)
- Also present: families of fallen Marines, who offered flowers
- Source: AFP Public Affairs Office press release
AFP Chief of Staff Leads Tribute at Fort Bonifacio
AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete led the ceremony, according to a press release issued by the AFP Public Affairs Office on November 5. Brigadier General Bob R. Apostol PN(M), Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, received General Nafarrete at the monument during the rites.
General Nafarrete and Brigadier General Apostol jointly paid tribute to the fallen Marine heroes, with the AFP chief rendering a formal salute at the monument. Families of fallen Marines also participated, offering flowers in tribute to their loved ones, the AFP Public Affairs Office said.
Ceremony Honors Sacrifice and Commitment to Sovereignty
The wreath-laying paid homage to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of Filipino Marines across 76 years of the corps' history, the AFP said in its statement. The AFP described the legacy of fallen Marines as a continuing source of inspiration for the men and women currently serving in the Philippine Marine Corps.
The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the corps' mandate of protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to the same statement.
AFP Renews Pledge to Preserve Fallen Heroes' Legacy
As part of the anniversary observance, the AFP said it was renewing its institutional commitment to carrying forward the legacy of its fallen heroes and ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The statement did not detail additional anniversary events beyond the wreath-laying ceremony at Fort Bonifacio.
Photo credit: Photo by PFC Carmelotes PN(M) / AFP Public Affairs Office (PAOAFP)