Aquino orders flags flown at half-mast on May 16 for ambassador

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered that Philippine flags be flown at half mast on Saturday during the interment of Ambassador Domingo Lucenario Jr.

Presidential Proclamation no. 1020, distributed to media on May 14, states that the Philippine flag should be flown at half mast “from sunrise to sunset in the Department of Foreign Affairs main office, its foreign service posts and regional consular offices” on May 16 as a “sign of respect, honor and recognition for [Lucenario’s] exemplary service to the Republic of the Philippines.”

Lucenario died in a helicopter crash in Pakistan last May 8. Seven other passengers, including the ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, also perished.

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The proclamation said the accident “prematurely ended the life of a consummate and dedicated public servant.”

“Ambassador Lucenario was a part of the diplomatic corps since 1986 and served in various posts particularly in Germany, Australia, Hong Kong and was former ambassador to various African countries. He has been instrumental in maintaining relations with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgzstan and Tajikistan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Lucenario received awards for his work, including the Order of Sikatuna Award, the Order of Lakandula Award and the Gawad Mabini Award.

READ: DFA mourns death of multiawarded diplomat