The Philippine Army (PA), in partnership with key government agencies and stakeholders, held a wreath-laying, candle-lighting, and flaglet-setting ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on October 31, 2026, to mark All Souls' Day and honor the nation's fallen heroes.
At a glance
- When: October 31, 2026
- Where: Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
- Rites: wreath-laying, candle-lighting and flaglet-setting
- Security: about 200 uniformed personnel, October 31 to November 2
- Interred: about 54,568 remains (as of October 29)
- Expected visitors: 100,000 in 2026; 99,233 came last year
The commemoration, dubbed PASASALAMAT 2026, paid tribute to soldiers, national artists and scientists, and former Philippine presidents interred at the cemetery, according to a press release issued by the Philippine Army Public Affairs Office on November 1, 2026.
Defense Secretary Reflects on Unknown Soldiers
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. delivered a message during the ceremony, focusing on the heroism of unknown soldiers — fallen troops who lost their lives in conflict but remain unidentified due to the circumstances of their deaths.
Secretary Teodoro also rendered a salute during the ceremony. The Philippine Army, as represented by its Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, said it is one with the nation in remembering the heroes who laid down their lives in service to the people and the country.
Multi-Agency Security Deployed Across Three Days
Around 200 uniformed personnel were augmented for security operations at the LNMB from October 31 to November 2, 2026, according to the Philippine Army PAO. The security force is composed of deployed Philippine Army units alongside personnel from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Taguig City local government unit.
Over 54,000 Remains Interred at LNMB
As of October 29, 2026, approximately 54,568 remains are interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, according to the Philippine Army PAO press release.
The Grave Services Unit of the Philippine Army Support Command reported that around 90,000 individuals were expected to visit LNMB during last year's Undas observance, with actual foot traffic reaching 99,233. For 2026, the unit's estimates have been raised to 100,000 visitors.
Flaglets Set for Fallen Troops
As part of the PASASALAMAT 2026 ceremonies, Philippine Army soldiers carried and set flaglets for fallen troops, in a synchronized candle-lighting and flaglet-setting ceremony alongside the wreath-laying.
Photo credit: Cpl. Rodgen V. Quirante PA/PAO, Philippine Army