Declaring 13 to 16 June 2017 as Days of National Mourning

June 13, 2017

PROCLAMATION NO. 232

DECLARING 13 TO 16 JUNE 2017 AS DAYS OF NATIONAL MOURNING

WHEREAS, the ongoing rebellion and acts of terror and lawless violence in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and in other parts of Mindanao have resulted in the death of at least fifty-eight (58) members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, as well as numerous civilians;

WHEREAS, these deaths constitute a great tragedy to our nation, and during this time of grief, a most solemn and respectful commemoration of the heroic acts of our soldiers and law enforcers is called for;

WHEREAS, the nation mourns and joins the families and friends of our fallen heroes in their moment of sorrow;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 8491, or the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines," provides that the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places where it is displayed, during tragedies of national significance as ordered by the Office of the President;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and law, do hereby proclaim 13 June 2017 to 16 June 2017 as days of national mourning, in solidarity with the bereaved families of our soldiers and police officers killed in action in Marawi City.

I hereby instruct all government offices, both national and local, educational institutions, both public and private, and military installations in the Philippines to hoist the Philippine flag at half-mast from 13 June 2017 to 16 June 2017, in honor of our men who sacrificed their lives in Marawi City. DETACa

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed hereto.

DONE, in the City of Manila this 13th day of June, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seventeen.

 

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 113, No. 26, p. 4679 on June 26, 2017.