FC 8 043 Pa Drills and Ceremonies

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FC 8 - 043
DRILLS AND
CEREMONIES
July 2005
The information contained in this document is not to be communicated, either

directly or indirectly to any person not authorized to receive it.
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HEADQUARTERS
TRAINING AND DOCTRINE COMMAND, PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp O’Donnell, Brgy Sta Lucia, Capas, Tarlac
FOREWORD
The Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army has long been
conducting training for the Army’s personnel, mostly to strengthen their
knowledge on FC 8-043 PA Drills and Ceremonies. The demands of such
doctrine have been increasing; hence the need for comprehensive reference
material (RM) for the Army school could not be overemphasized.
We welcome the printing of this RM. This is the product of the fixing
initiatives of our newly-invigorated Doctrine Center. This is expected to benefit
the instructors and students of the Training and Doctrine Command as it
discusses the salient features of Admin or Management. More importantly,
researchers and writers of military doctrines will also find this reference
material useful. By being aware of the importance as well as the substance of
its contents, the users will be able to properly utilize and employ them in order
to exploit their useful implication in the Army’s operations.
While the concepts and guidelines embodied in this RM have been

thoroughly validated, these have been accredited by TRADOC for the use of
all Army schools. This is to be further subjected to test and evaluation prior to
the promulgation of CSAFP for widest dissemination. As such, we are
soliciting your valued inputs and insights to make it more responsive and
dynamic amidst the ever-changing operational environment.
CARLOS B HOLGANZA
Major General, AFP
Commander
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The accreditation of this reference material is part of the Army’s

initiative of standardizing and regulating the training literatures that will be
used by Army schools and training units.
Any recommended revisions or modifications to this material shall be

subject to the validation and accreditation procedure that will be facilitated by
the Doctrine Center, Training & Doctrine Command, Philippine Army.
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PREFACE
1. Purpose
The purpose of this reference material is to provide the readers,

knowledge and understanding on Drills and Ceremonies. Specifically, Army
personnel will find the information contained herein useful as guide in the
conduct of military instructions.
2. User Information
The proponent of this reference material is the Combat Service

Support School, TRADOC. However, Doctrine Center is responsible for the
review and updating of this publication. Send comments and
recommendations to Commanding General, TRADOC, PA, Fort Magsaysay,
3130 Nueva Ecija, Attn: Doctrine Center.
3. Gender
Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and

pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.
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CONTENTS
Foreword i
Acknowledgment iii
Preface v
Contents vii
Section Title Page
CHAPTER 1 – CEREMONIES 1-1
CHAPTER 2 - PARADE 2-1
CHAPTER 3 – MILITARY HONOR 3-1
CHAPTER 4 – COLORS
4-1 The Colors and Color 4-1

4-2 Manuals for the Color Bearer/Guard 4-4
CHAPTER 5 – GUARD MOUNTING
5-1 Informal 5-1

5-2 Formal 5-7
5-3 Normal guards mounting 5-14
CHAPTER 6 – CHANGED OF COMMAND 6-1
CHAPTER 7 - FLAG RAISING / RETREAT AND 7-1

REVEILLE CEREMONIES
CHAPTER 8 – WELCOME CEREMONY AND SEND OFF 8-1

CEREMONY FOR UNITS (UNIT HONORS)
CHAPTER 9 - ACTIVATION/DE-ACTIVATION OF UNITS
9-1 Activation 9-1

9-2 De-activation of Unit 9-2
CHAPTER 10 - FUNERAL HONORS AND SERVICES 10-1
CHAPTER 11 – WREATHLAYING CEREMONY 11-1
CHAPTER 12 – MILITARY WEDDING 12-1
CHAPTER 13 – OATHTAKING 13-1
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CHAPTER 1
CEREMONIES
REVIEWS
1. Definition. A review is an inspection of troops by a high officer or

honored guest as a way of showing its troops’ unit strength, state of discipline
and preparedness.
2. Historical Background. Reviews in the Armed Forces of the

Philippines were patterned after the United States Army’s. This is due to the
fact that the Americans greatly influenced the Philippine government’s
educational system and the military during their occupation of the country right
after the Spanish regime. US military reviews were outlined in the Regulations
for the Order and Discipline of the troops of the United States commonly
known as the Blue Book written in 1779 by Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a
former Prussian Officer under Frederick the Great. He was commissioned by
General George Washington to develop the revolutionary forces into a well-
organized and highly disciplined army. The origin of military reviews may be
traced back to as early as the Middle Ages when rulers were likely to have
military ceremonies as a way of showing strength. At the turn of the century,
armies all over the world began adopting the regimental system. Regiments
were assigned a specific color or number for easy identification and
positioning on the battlefield. In battle, the color (flag) party marched in front
and center of its unit as a point for the unit to dress on. Since victories in
those days were expressed in terms of the number of enemy colors captured,
the color party was the logical priority target and thus suffered heavy
casualties. In the US Army, the Colors have been historically placed in the
center of the formation and considered to be part of the company on the
immediate right of the Colors. This company is still called the Color Unit.
Musical elements (usually drums and fifes, and sometimes a band) were used
during actual battle and marched 12 to 15 paces to the rear of the formation.
By 1892, US infantry drill regulation posted bands and field music on the right
of the formation or at the head of the formation when it moved in column.
Today, the presence of the Colors at the center of the formation represents
their presence in the old days at the forefront of the unit during the heat of
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battle. On the other hand, the presence of the band represents the significant
role that the drum, fife and other musical instruments have played throughout
military history for signaling in camp or on the battlefield.
3. Purpose. Reviews are often mistaken to be the same as parades.

While features are similar, these are two distinct ceremonies although the
combination of the two is normally practiced. A review is a military ceremony
used to:
a. Honor a visiting high-ranking commander, officials, or dignitary

and/or permit them to observe the state of training of a unit.
b. Present decorations and awards.
c. Honor or recognize unit or individual achievements.
d. Commemorate events.
It is more fitting therefore to entitle a program “ A Review in

Honor of ________” or “A Review in Commemoration of _______” instead of
calling it a parade and review when actually what would be done is only a
review.
4. General. Normally, a review is conducted with a battalion-size or larger

troop unit. However, a composite or representative element consisting of two
or more platoons may serve the same purpose. A review consists of the
following steps in sequence:
a. Formation of troops.
b. Presentation of Command and Honors.
c. Inspection.
d. Honors to the Nation.
e. Remarks.
f. Pass-in-Review.
g. Conclusion.
Note: The review stage may be omitted for decorations, awards, or

individual recognition ceremonies.
Other ceremonial activities or combinations thereof, those

maybe incorporated within a framework of review are:
a. Review with decorations, awards and individual recognition

ceremonies.
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b. Review with change of command, activation, or de-activation of

units.
c. Review with retreat.
d. Review with retreat and retirement, decorations, and awards.
e. Review with retreat and change of command, activation, or de-

activation of units.
f. Review and parade with all of the above combinations.
To enable himself to review his own command with a visiting

Reviewing Officer (RO), a commander normally designates an Officer of his
command as Troop Commander (TC). The TC is responsible for the
preparation of the troops for the review.
Any of the formations described for the Battalion or Brigade may

be used. The following are the three recommended formations for conducting
a review:
a. Battalion Formation with Companies in Line (Figure 1.1). The

Battalion is composed of a minimum of two (2) Companies with three (3)
Platoons per Company.
Note: Arrow points from the last element to the guide of the next
platoon
b. Brigade Formation with Battalions in Line (Figure 1.2). The

Brigade is composed of a minimum of two (2) Battalions with three (3)
Companies each. However, a minimum of two (2) Companies per Battalion is
recommended, provided that the Companies are always composed of three
(3) Platoons each.
c. Division Formation with Brigades in Line, Battalions in Mass

(Figure 1.3). The same composition as in Figure 1.2. The participation of the
saluting battery should be considered as part of the formation whenever
possible by the space available.
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Figure 1.1 Battalion Formations with Companies in Line.
Figure 1.2 Brigade Formations with Battalions in Line.
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Figure 1.3 Division Formations with Brigades in Line

Battalions in Mass.
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The formation selected is determined by the space available and

other desires of the commander. Commanders may alter the formation or
prescribed distances to meet local situations. Each unit should be sized
uniformly with the tallest men in front and on the right. Commanders should
not cause the leaders to change positions because of their size. Officers and
other key non-commissioned officers, including squad leaders and other
equivalent by virtue of their rank and time in service, should participate in their
deserved positions of dignity.
If possible, the Distinguished Guest/Reviewing Officer (DG/RO)

should arrive at his post (Figure 1.4) after the staff of the TC has reversed
and the TC has faced the reviewing stand. Upon arrival, the DG/RO shall
immediately take his post and refrain from greeting distinguished spectators
until after the review has terminated.
1) The DG/RO, Military Host (MH), and distinguished

persons invited to attend the review (but not themselves receiving the review),
take position facing the troops (Figure 1.4).
2) When a ceremony is conducted for an individual junior in

rank to the MH, the junior takes a position to the left of the MH unless the MH
yields the post of honor to him. Normally, the honor position is the position on
the right and is the DG/RO’s post, The MH gives the appropriate directive to
the TC: IHANDOG AND PAMUNUAN (PRESENT THE TROOPS) to start the
conduct of the review. (This arrangement will not hold true if the guests and
host are seated at the grandstand. The protocol on seating arrangement shall
be followed).
3) When a civilian or foreign dignitary receives the review,

he takes the honor position to the right of the MH. The MH returns all salutes
when, in his judgment, it would be more appropriate. As a courtesy, the MH
should cue the dignitary and inconspicuously explain the procedures during
the conduct of the ceremony. The position in which the flags are displayed at
the rear of the reviewing party corresponds to the position taken by the
individual in the front rank of the reviewing party.
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BAND TROOPS
TC
MILITARY HOST DISTINGUISHED GUEST/

REVIEWING OFFICER
3 STEPS
FLAG OF THE MILITARY FLAG OF REVIEWING

HOST OFFICER
Figure 1.4 Reviewing Officer Party.
4) When a ceremony is conducted honoring a foreign official

or dignitary entitled to honors, equivalent honors (salutes) are rendered.
NOTE: If the honors of the dignitary include his or her nation’s anthem,
the honors are played in the following order: four ruffles and flourishes, the
foreign anthem, an approximate three-second drum rolls, and the Philippine
National Anthem.
5) When the ceremony includes decorations, awards, or

retirements, the MH should be senior in rank or position to the highest-ranking
individual being honored.
6) An officer from local staff (usually SGS or OG3) is

designated to escort and brief the members of the reviewing party and to
show them their positions.
7) Since all situations or eventualities relative to various

services or units (military academies, special honor guards, regular AFP units,
reserve components, Reserve Officer Training Corps, and training
commands/ centers cannot be foreseen) commanders can make minor
changes to stated procedures. However, with a view towards preserving the
AFP tradition and maintaining consistency, “THEY SHOULD NOT ALTER
NOR MODIFY THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS OTHER THAN STATED”.
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5. Sequence of Events and Individual Actions
a. Review (Standard)
1) Formation Of Troops.
(a) As soon as the troops are ready, the Troop

Adjutant (TA) (from his position near the band) directs IHUDYAT ANG
PAGHANDA. The band immediately sounds ATTENTION CALL to signal the
start of the ceremony.
(b) Upon hearing the ATTENTION CALL, all Battalion

Commanders (BCs) face about, bring their units to attention and right
shoulder arms, then face front.
(c) The TA again directs IHUDYAT ANG TAWAG

ADYUTANTE. The band sounds the ADJUTANT’S CALL, immediately
followed by March music.
(d) The BCs give PASULONG, KAD; the troops follow

the route in Figure 1.5.
Figure 1.5 Preparations for Review.
(e) When the Companies are already perpendicular

with their markers, the BCs command KALIWANG PANIG, KAD. Platoon
guides go to Port Arms then move in front of their respective markers in
double time facing the Adjutant. Upon reaching their position, they halt at
predetermined number of steps then execute Order Arms. When the platoons
are already at their markers, BCs command TALUPAD, TO.
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Note: Entrance of troops is optional. The review may start with the
troops already in position in front of the Reviewing Officer. In which case,
Attention Call shall be sounded to signal the start of the ceremony. The Troop
Adjutant commands MGA GABAY SUMAHANAY NA, then follow the
sequence starting from f).
(f) The TA designates the Alpha Company as the

base company “A” BALANGAY then positions himself midway between the
line of troops and the TC.
(g) g) At the last note of “A” Balangay, the BCs

simultaneously order: TUNTON SA KANAN. This means that all Companies
will align with the base company.
(h) The Company Commanders (CC) simultaneously

face about then order: TUNTON SA KANAN.
(i) The Platoon Leaders (PL) simultaneously face

about and command: TUNTON SA KANAN, NA. After which, they face to the
half left (except the last PL who faces to the half right) and march directly and
align at the right of the first Squad Leader (last element of the first squad, for
the last PL) counting thirteen (13) steps (close with the 14th step).
(j) The PLs align facing the TA former position then

face about immediately after closing on the 14th step, except the last PL who
remains facing the TA’s former position.
(k) Immediately, the first PL orders: TATAG, followed

by the second PL up to the last PL who prolongs the word. The PL aligns the
platoon by taking short steps to the right or left as necessary to see down the
squad.
(l) After giving the prolonged order TATAG, the last

PL executes two (2) left steps as visual reference for the other PLs.
Continuously, he will return to his former position by executing two (2) right
steps.
(m) After the last PL has executed the two (2) right
steps, the other PLs simultaneously execute left face (right face for the last
PL) and March five (5) half steps (closes on the sixth half step) then face the
second squad.
(n) Immediately, the first PL orders: TATAG, followed

by the second PL up to the last PL who prolongs the word.
(o) After the prolonged order TATAG, all PLs

simultaneously execute left face (right face for the last PL) and march five (5)
half steps (closes on the sixth half step) then face the last squad.
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(p) Immediately, the first PL orders: TATAG, followed

by the second PL up to the last PL who prolongs the word.
(q) After giving the prolonged order TATAG, the last

PL executes two (2) right steps as visual reference for the other PLs.
Continuously, he will return to his former position by executing two (2) left
steps
(r) After the last PL has executed the two (2) left
steps, the other PLs simultaneously execute right face (left face for the last
PL) and march five (5) steps (close on the sixth step) toward the front edge of
the platoon, approximately two (2) steps forward of the platoon, then face
down the line
(s) Simultaneously, all PLs command: HANDA, RAP,

then march forward toward the center of the platoon counting five (5) steps
and execute right turn towards his position closing on the fourteenth step
(approximately six steps from the elements).
(t) The CC followed by the BC then faces front.
(u) The TA now directs: MGA GABAY SUMALUNAN.
(v) The BC commands: MGA GABAY SUMALUNAN,

KAD, and then faces front.
(w) TA reports to TC: Ginoo, handa na po ang

talupad.
(x) TC acknowledges the salute and says:

“SUMALUNAN KA”.
(y) As soon as the TA is posted, the TC

commands: “KALUPUNAN SUMALIKOD KO, KAD”.
2) Presentation Of Command And Honors.
(a) When the DG/RO has halted at his post, the TC

faces about and directs TANGHAL SANDATA.
(b) The BCs face about and command: TANGHAL,

TA, face the front and salute together with their respective staff.
(c) When the units have completed this movement,

the TC faces about and executes with his staff: PUGAY KAMAY, NA.
(d) Upon completion of the presentation and/or

honors, the TC commands his staff: BABA KAMAY, NA, faces about and
directs: BABA SANDATA.
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(e) The BCs and staff terminate their salutes, the BCs
face about and command: BABA, TA. They then face the front.
(f) The TC faces to the front.
3) Inspection
(a) When the TC has faced the reviewing stand, the

DG/RO and MH move forward and halt three steps in front of the TC. Staffs,
aides-de-camp, and orderlies do not normally accompany the inspecting
party. However, if the DG/RO is mounted during the inspection, his personal
Color and aide-de-camp should be on another vehicle.
(b) The TC salutes and reports: Ginoo, handa na po

ang mga talupad upang siyasatin (Sir, the troops are ready for
inspection). The band begins to play March music on the first left step of the
DG/RO and continues to play until the DG/RO has returned to his post.
(c) The DG/RO acknowledges the salute and the TC

escorts the DG/RO (to be at the center), the MH (to be at the left of the
DG/RO) for the inspection of troops. As they approach the first element of the
band, the MH will position at the right of the TC so that the DG/RO will be
nearest the troops. After the last element of the troops, the MH will position at
the left of the DG/RO. When riding a vehicle, the reviewing party passes
between the line of Battalion Commanders and Company Commanders.
When marching, the reviewing party passes between the front rank of the
troops and the Platoon Leaders when companies are in line formation.
(d) When the inspection is made by motor vehicle, the

inspecting party enters the vehicle in front of the reviewing stand. The DG/RO
enters first and occupies the left rear position. The vehicle approaching from
the left of the TC proceeds to the post of the TC and stops. The TC salutes
and enters the vehicle, occupying the right front position.
(e) Upon the departure of the inspecting party, the

senior staff officer commands the staff to PAHINGA. After the inspection has
been completed, the senior staff officer commands HUMANDA before the
return of the TC.
(f) When the reviewing party marches while trooping

the line and is about to pass, the Platoon Leader faces about and commands:
HANDA TINGIN SA KANAN, NA. The elements turn their heads to the right
and see the honoree as they pass by. The Platoon Leader executes eyes left
then faces front after the inspecting party has passed the platoon.
Simultaneously, the Battalion and Company Commander faces front and
commands: KALUPUNAN, SUMALIKOD KO, KAD; and MGA GABAY
SUMALIKOD KO, KAD respectively, to witness the inspecting party.
However, if the inspecting party are riding for the trooping the line, the
Company Commander and staff stay put and just execute eyes right. More so,
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the Platoon Leader faces front after giving the command HANDA TINGIN SA
KANAN, NA.
(g) As the inspecting party approaches the Colors, the

TC inconspicuously commands GINOO, ANG MGA WATAWAT, PUGAY
KAMAY, NA (Sir, the Colors, Present Arms) six steps to the Colors and
BABA KAMAY, NA (Ready Front) immediately after the Colors.
(h) Upon reaching the last element of the troops, the

inspecting party return to their respective positions using the most direct
route.
4) Honors To The Nation
(a) When the inspecting party has returned to its post,

the TC faces about and directs TANGHAL SANDATA. The BCs face about
and command: TANGHAL, TA. Each commander then faces front and
salutes. When all units have completed these movements, the TC faces front
and commands: PUGAY KAMAY, NA for himself and his staff. On the
execution of the Hand Salute by the TC, the band begins to play the National
Anthem.
(b) The inspecting party and all military spectators

salute while the National Anthem is being played.
(c) Upon completion of the National Anthem, the TC

and staff terminate their salutes on his command: BABA KAMAY, NA. He
then faces about and directs BABA SANDATA.
(d) The BCs terminate their salutes, face about, and

command: BABA, TA then face front.
5) Pass-In-Review
(a) The TC brings his staff behind him, KALUPUNAN,

SUMALIKOD KO, KAD. When the staff has reversed its position, the TC
directs PASA MASID. The band moves to march position.
(b) The DG/RO moves forward to acknowledge the

salute of the troops passing before the grandstand.
(c) When the Colors pass before the reviewing stand,

the band interrupts the music and plays four ruffles and flourishes. The
spectators execute Hand Salute or the equivalent salute for the civilians.
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(d) The band continuously plays until the last parade

elements leave the parade ground.
(e) When all the troops and floats have cleared the
parade ground, the TC and staff move forward facing the grandstand and halt
ten steps in front of the honoree. The TC salutes and the honoree
acknowledge the salute. He may or may not thank or congratulate the TC and
staff.
b. Other Types Of Review
1) Review With Decorations, Awards, And Individual

Retirement.
(a) If the inspection is omitted, the TC (following order

arms after the presentation and/or honor) shall command: ANG MGA TAONG
PARARANGALAN AT MGA WATAWAT, PUMAGITNA, KAD. The ceremony
then continues.
(b) The procedures mentioned below provide latitude

for recognition of one or a group of retirees of various ranks. However, the
local commanders should consider it appropriate to cause the review to be
conducted in the retiree’s honor when only one distinguished individual is
retiring and allow that individual to participate as the reviewing officer. When
the Colors are marched forward the reviewing officer (retiree) would position
himself in front and center of the Colors. After remarks by the host, the retiree
returns to the reviewing officer’s post.
• The procedures for the formation of troops,

presentation and honors, and inspection remain the same as previously
mentioned.
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• When the reviewing officer has completed

the inspection and has returned to his post, the TC faces about and directs,
ANG MGA TAONG PARARANGALAN AT MGA WATAWAT PUMAGITNA,
KAD.
• The persons to be decorated and retirees

are formed initially at the ready line at normal distance behind the last rank of
the Color unit. (An alternate position for these personnel may be six steps to
the left and in line with the reviewing officer. They then join the detachment
after the Colors are brought forward.) They line up from left to right according
to the rank of the decoration to be received. Those persons receiving
decorations of the same rank will take positions according to their military
rank. On the command PUMAGITNA, the persons to be decorated shall
execute a Left Face. On the command KAD, they march forward to clear the
left rear of the unit they have joined. They then execute a Column Right,
march six steps and execute a Column Left; halt in a position centered on the
Colors, and execute a Right Face. The last man in the file gives the
commands Halt and Right Face.
• When unit Colors or Guidons are to be

decorated, they are accompanied by their commanders and shall be
positioned in a single rank five steps in front of the persons to be decorated
according to the rank of the decorations to be bestowed, the highest ranking
decoration on the right. The senior staff officer (for the battalion) or platoon
leader (for the company) assumes command in the absence of the
commander.
• The staff of the TC on the command

PUMAGITNA executes a Right Face. On the command KAD, the staff
marches forward far enough to provide clearance for the Colors and persons
to be honored. The staff then halts and executes Left Face on command of
the rear staff officer.
• The TC marches forward and takes his post

five steps in front of, and centered on, the leading element. He faces front and
commands: DESTAKAMENTO PASULONG, KAD. On the command KAD,
the band begins to play march music and continuous playing until the
detachment is halted in front of the reviewing officer. The TC, persons to be
honored, and Colors march forward. The TC commands: DESTAKAMENTO,
TO, when he is approximately six steps from the reviewing officer. He then
salutes and reports: Ginoo, narito na po ang mga taong pararangalan at
mga watawat. The reviewing officer returns the salute. The host (local
commander) directs: IHANDOG AND PAMUNUAN.
• The TC faces to the right while marching,

passes around the right flank of the persons being honored, and proceeds
directly to his post, two steps in front of and centered on his staff. He then
directs: TANGHAL SANDATA. Unit commanders face about and command:
TANGHAL, TA. They then face about and execute the Hand Salute. The TC
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then faces front and commands: PUGAY KAMAY, NA. The TC and his staff
come to present arms with the detachment.
• Honors to the Nation shall be rendered at

this time. At the last note of the National Anthem, the TC commands (for
himself, his staff and detachment), BABA KAMAY, NA. He then faces about
and directs: BABA SANDATA. Unit commanders terminate their salutes,
face about, and command: BABA, TA. The TC again directs TIKAS
PAHINGA. In turn, unit commanders command: TIKAS, NGA. They then
face the front as with the TC.
• The reviewing officer accompanied by the

MH, advances by the most direct route to the right front of the line of persons
to be honored. The (command) sergeant major (carrying the awards or
certificates) positions himself one step to the rear and one 15-inch step to the
left of the MH. After the citation is read, the sergeant major immediately steps
forward and gives the award to the MH who in turn gives it to the reviewing
officer. After the award has been secured, the sergeant major returns to his
original position to the rear of the MH. The sergeant major moves with the
reviewing officer down the line of the awardees. As soon as the reviewing
party has halted in front of the first awardees, a narrator reads the citation.
The narrator pauses between citations to permit the reviewing officer time to
pin the medal on the person being decorated and move to the next man, or to
fasten the streamer on the staff of the guidon or Colors. As the reviewing
officer approaches the Guidon to be decorated, the bearer executes Present
Guidon so the reviewing officer may fasten the streamer. Color bearer lowers
the Color to be decorated far enough for the reviewing officer to fasten the
streamer. The color bearer gathers the Color around the staff so it won’t touch
the ground. He resumes the Carry position after the streamer has been
attached.
• When the last award has been presented,

the reviewing officer and his party return to their post. The TC commands his
staff to attention, faces about and directs: TALUPAD HUMANDA. Unit
commanders face about and command: BALANGAY, DA and then face front.
The TC faces front and commands: (loud enough for the band to hear) MGA
WATAWAT SUMALUNAN, KAD. On the command SUMALUNAN, the
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persons being honored execute Right Face. On the command KAD, they
march forward executing two Column Lefts, halt on line six steps to the left of
the reviewing officer, and execute a Left Face. The last man in file gives the
commands Halt and Left Face. In some cases, the awardees may be given
seats at the grandstand. Also on the command SUMALUNAN, the Colors
execute reverse march. On the command KAD, they return to their original
post.
• On the command KAD, the band plays

marching drum beats until the Colors are back to their initial position.
c. Retirement Program
1) Invocation
2) Reading of Retirement Orders by the Unit Adjutant
3) Remarks are made at this time. If the honoree (retiree) is

senior, the host (local commander) gives the remarks first then introduces the
honoree (retiree). The TC may be requested to give TIKAS PAHINGA.
4) (4) After the remarks, the host (local commander)

directs, PASA MASID.
5) The procedures from this point on are the same as

previously described.
6) Review with change of command. (See Section VI:

Change of Command)
7) Review with retreat
(a) The Formation of Troops, Presentation of

Command and Honors, Inspection, and Honors To The Nation are the same
as previously described.
(b) At the completion of the Honors To The Nation, the

TC commands his staff to Order Arms, faces about, and directs: BABA
SANDATA. Unit commanders face about and command: BABA, TA. After its
execution, TC directs: TIKAS PAHINGA. Unit commanders face about and
command: TIKAS, NGA. Unit commanders then face front and assume the
Parade Rest position. The TC then directs: IHUDYAT AND PAGSILONG,
faces front, and commands his staff TIKAS PAHINGA. As soon as the TC
and his staff are at parade rest, the band sounds Retreat. At the conclusion of
Retreat, the TC commands his staff to attention, faces the troops, and directs:
MGA TALUPAD HUMANDA. Unit commanders face about and command:
TALUPAD, DA. When the troops are at attention, the TC directs: TANGHAL
SANDATA. Unit commanders face about and command: TANGHAL, TA.
When the units have completed these movements, the TC then faces the
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reviewing officer and commands his staff: PUGAY KAMAY, NA. This is the
signal for the band to play TO THE COLORS.
(c) When the ceremony is held on a military post, the

cannon is fired once (when applicable and/ or appropriate) after the retreat,
and immediately after the command TANGHAL, TA. While the TO THE
COLORS is being played, the flag is lowered.
(d) The reviewing officer, his staff and military

spectators stand at the position of Attention during the sounding of retreat. On
the first note of TO THE COLORS, they salute and hold their salute until the
last note is played.
(e) On the last note of music, the TC commands:

BABA, KAMAY, NA for himself and his staff, faces about, and directs: BABA
SANDATA. As soon as the troops have executed order arms, the TC directs:
PASA MASID.
(f) The procedures from this point on are the same as

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CHAPTER 2
PARADE
1. Definition. A parade is a military ceremony wherein a body of troops is

formed before its Commanding Officer or other high-ranking officer for the
display of its condition, members, equipment and proficiency. It includes
exercise in the manual of arms, the report on the members of the various
units present or accounted for, the publication of orders, etc. and ends with a
pass in review.
2. Distinctive Features. The preparation and organization of troops for a

parade are similar to those for a review. However, in a parade, since the
commander is also the reviewing officer, the distance between the troops and
the commander is greater than that for a review. Other features are: the band
conducts sound off; the inspection is omitted; reports are rendered; orders are
published; and the officers and guidons are marched forward and centered on
the commander. If retreat is scheduled, it is conducted in lieu of Honors To
The Nation. This means that the Retreat is already the HONORS TO THE
NATION.
3. Types of Parades and Their Sequence
a. Ceremonial Battalion Parade
1) Formation of Troops
(a) Units are moved to their position on the ready line

in the most convenient manner. The commander prescribes the assembly
area, the routes, sequence, and time of arrival on the line. He and his staff
take their post prior to Adjutant’s call.
(b) The procedure for moving from the ready line to

the final line is the same as that for a review.
2) Sound Off
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(a) After the battalion has been formed, aligned, and

given parade rest on the final line, the Adjutant directs: IHUDYAT and
assumes the position of parade rest. He remains facing the formation.
(b) At the directive IHUDYAT, the band plays three

sounds off chords. At the conclusion of the third chord, the band moves
forward playing a march in quick time. The band executes a left turn to march
across the front of the troops. At the left of the line of the troops, the band
countermarches and returns over the same ground to the right of the line.
After passing beyond the right of the line of troops, the band executes a right
turn, countermarches again, and halts in its original position. When the band
has halted, it ceases playing at the next convenient place in the music and will
again play three sound-off chords. (Trooping the line by the band may be
eliminated when ceremonies are conducted indoors during inclement weather
and when space is limited).
Note: Retreat, when scheduled, is integrated at this point. Upon

completion of the IHUDYAT chords, the Adjutant directs: IHUDYAT ANG
PAGSILONG and goes back to parade rest. The band plays Retreat (by the
trumpet section). Upon completion of Retreat, the Adjutant comes to Attention
and directs, MGA BALANGAY HUMANDA, then TANGHAL SANDATA. The
Adjutant faces about and salutes. The band plays TO THE COLOR or THE
NATIONAL ANTHEM. At the conclusion of To the Color or the National
Anthem, the Adjutant comes to order and faces about and directs: BABA
SANDATA. After the last unit comes to order arms, the Adjutant faces front.
The commander and his staff assume PARADE REST, ATTENTION,
PRESENT ARMS, and ORDER ARMS with the Adjutant. The Adjutant’s
salute is the signal for the band to play TO THE COLOR or THE NATIONAL
ANTHEM.
3) Honors to the Nation
(a) If Retreat is not conducted, the Adjutant (after the

band has completed sound off) assumes the position of attention and directs:
MGA BALANGAY HUMANDA at TANGHAL SANDATA.
(b) Unit commanders assume the position of attention,

face about, and command in succession: BALANGAY, DA then TANGHAL,
TA. They face front and salute.
(c) When all units are in TANGHAL TA, the Adjutant

faces front and salutes. Band plays the NATIONAL ANTHEM.
(d) The Battalion Commander and his staff execute on

his command: PUGAY KAMAY, NA on the first note of the music.
(e) Military spectators rise and execute hand salute

and its equivalent for the civilians.
4) Presentation
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(a) Upon completion of the National Anthem, the

Battalion Commander and his staff execute on his command: BABA KAMAY,
NA. The Adjutant terminates his salute, faces about, and directs: BABA
SANDATA.
(b) Unit commanders terminate their salute, face

about, and command: BABA, TA, and then face front.
(c) When all units are at Order Arms, the Adjutant

faces about, salutes and reports: ”Ginoo, handa na po ang patikas”.
(d) The Battalion Commander returns the salute and

commands: SUMALUNAN KA. The Adjutant trots forward, passes by the
Battalion Commander’s right, and takes his post as the right flank member of
the staff.
5) Manual of Arms
(a) After the Adjutant has joined the staff, the Battalion
Commander commands such movements in the manual of arms, as he may
desire.
(b) The commander directs: ”HUMANDA SA

PAGSASANAY SA PAGHAWAK NG SANDATA”. He then in sequence,
commands: SA KANANG BALIKAT, TA; KALIWANG BALIKAT, TA; AGAP,
TA; BABA, TA; SIYASAT, TA; and BABA, TA.
6) Report
(a) When the manual of arms has been completed,

the Battalion Commander then directs: TANGGAPIN ANG ULAT.
(b) The Adjutant trots forward, halts to his position at

the center of the command and directs: MAG-ULAT. Unit commanders in
succession, from right to left, salute and report: “Ginoo __________ balangay,
narito na po lahat o napag-alaman”. The Adjutant returns each commander’s
salute.
(c) After receiving the reports, the Adjutant faces front,

salutes, and reports: “Ginoo, narito po lahat o napag-alaman”.
7) Publishing of Orders
(a) The Battalion Commander returns the salute and

directs: IPAHAYAG ANG KAUTUSAN.
(b) The Adjutant faces about and gives the orders:

MAKINIG SA KAUTUSAN, ANG MGA NAKATALAGA NGAYON, PUNONG
PANLARANGAN (NAME OF OFFICER), PUNONG TAGAPANGALAGA
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(NAME OF OFFICER), SA UTOS NI (NAME OF OFFICER), MGA PINUNO,

HUMARAP AT PUMAGITNA, KAD.
8) Officers Center March
(a) At the last note of PUMAGITNA, all officers from

the Company Commanders to Platoon Leaders including Guidon Bearers
execute Center Face. After the command of execution of KAD is given, the
Officers and Guidon Bearers march off to the center and halt at
predetermined number of steps upon reaching their designated markers. The
senior Company Commander then commands: MGA PINUNO, RAP, KAD. At
the last note of RAP, the Officers and Guidon Bearers face toward the
Battalion Commander’s position and shoves off at the command KAD.
b) When they are approximately 12 paces in front of

the Battalion Commander, the senior Company Commander commands:
MGA PINUNO, TO. At TO, they count silently. At the count of four, they
execute the salute and bring there hands down at seven (Guidon Bearers
start to execute the equivalent salute at the count of three and return same
starting at the count of six). The Battalion Commander acknowledges the
salute, then commands: MGA PINUNO, SUMALUNAN, KAD.
c) The group of officers executes about face and

shoves off towards the center of the troops. As they approach the line of their
respective positions, the senior Company Commander commands: MGA
PINUNO, TO, RAP, KAD. At the command TO, they halt, and almost
simultaneous with RAP, they face their respective positions and shove off with
the command KAD. At a predetermined number of steps, they halt to occupy
their respective positions and face front at the same time.
9) Pass in Review
(a) When all officers have returned to their posts and

the band has stopped playing, the Battalion Commander directs:
PASAMASID.
(b) The battalion passes in review in the same manner

as prescribed for a review except that the units render honors when they are
six steps to the left of the Troop Commander and staff, and terminate honors
when the units are six steps to the right of the commander of troops and staff.
The Troop Commander and staff then assume the role of the reviewing party
at their location on the field.
(c) When the last elements of troops have passed the

reviewing stand and executed ready front, the band stops playing.
(d) Spectators may rise and applause after the parade

is completed.
b. Ceremonial Brigade Parade
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1) The brigade is ordinarily formed in line with battalions in

mass formations. The parade is the same as the ceremonial battalion parade
with the following exceptions:
(a) The Brigade Commander is substituted for

Battalion Commander, and brigade for battalion, in the description.
(b) Across the front of the brigade, the band passes in

front of the line of Battalion Commanders during the sound off.
2) The battalions execute present arms, order arms, parade

rest, and come to attention on the command of execution of their respective
commanders. Reports are made by the Battalion Commanders instead of
Company Commanders.
3) At the command of execution KAD, of MGA PINUNO,

PUMAGITNA, KAD the Battalion Commanders, their staff, and Colors close
on the line of Battalion Commanders and staffs. The Company Commanders
face to the half right or half left in marching and close on a line four steps to
the rear of the battalion color. The Guidon Bearers face half right of half left in
marching and close on a line four steps to the back of the Company
Commanders. The other officers face the Guidon Bearers.
4) When the officers, Guidon Bearers, and Colors have

closed and faced to the front, the senior battalion commander commands
PASULONG, KAD. The center officer of the leading rank is the guide. On the
command of the senior Battalion Commander, the officers, Guidon Bearers,
and Colors halt with the leading ranks six steps from the Brigade Commander.
The commands TANGHAL, TA and HANDA, RAP are given by the senior
Battalion Commander.
5) The Brigade Commander commands MGA PINUNO,

SUMALUNAN (pause), KAD. On the command SUMALUNAN, the Colors
execute reverse march. All others execute about face. On the command of
execution KAD, the officers, Colors, and Guidon Bearers march forward. The
senior battalion commander commands MGA PINUNO, TO so that the rank of
Battalion Commanders is on line with its original position. The senior Battalion
Commander then commands SUMALUNAN (pause), KAD. On the command
SUMALUNAN, the Battalion Commanders and staff face outward, the
battalion Color guard executes wheeling movements, and on the command of
execution KAD the color guard marches back to its original position. The
Company Commanders, Guidon Bearers, and other officers face to the half
right or half left in marching and move back to their original positions.
c. Street Parade
1) For street parade, troops are formed and marched in the

most convenient manner. Street parade may include military vehicles. Towed
or transported weapons add to the drama of a street parade. Cargo vehicles
are included only when it is desired to increase the size of the display.
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2) Practical formations for street parades are:
(a) Columns of threes and fours.
(b) Two or more columns of threes and fours abreast.
(c) Mass formation.
3) The vehicles move in single column of twos, threes, or

fours abreast, as the width of the street permits.
4) In order to keep military units in the same cadence, units

should not march between two bands.
d. Evening Parade
1) Organization. The Ceremonial elements shall be

composed of the following:
(a) One brigade of two battalions (two companies of

two platoons each).
(b) Band of not less than 30 members with a band

conductor.
(c) Two color bearers for the National and unit colors,
and two color guards.
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CHAPTER 3
MILITARY HONORS
1. General
a. In the Continental Army, honor guards were used as protective

measures and as a means of showing the improvement in discipline in the
newly formed army. They were probably selected specifically for their sizes
and strengths and maybe their proven prowess in combat. Today, the honor
guard formation is considered to be a special courtesy to visiting dignitaries.
b. Members of the guard are selected for their soldierly

appearance and superior discipline. An Honor Guard consists of a band,
Colors, salute battery (when available and appropriate) and a formation of
troops. Honor guards render personal honors to persons with high military or
civilian rank or position upon arrival or departure from a military command.
Honor guards are not a substitute for those ceremonies appropriate in a
review or parade.
c. An Honor Guard should not be so large so as to compromise the

exceptional standards required of honor guards. The minimum size of the
company honor guard should be two (2) platoons and the battalion honor
guard should be two (2) companies. Uniforms will be those prescribed by the
Commander of the receiving unit.
d. There shall be a designated military host who will take part in

the ceremony. He briefs the honoree of the sequence of events and advises
him of actions that will take place during the conduct of honors.
e. Prior to the arrival of the person(s) to be honored, the honor

guard commander positions the band, the troops, and salute battery from right
to left, in that order. The troops are formed in line of companies or platoons
with the Colors positioned at the center. When conditions dictate, the salute
battery may be located separately but its control and purpose must not be
impaired.
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2. Definition of Terms
a. Cordon Honors - A type of honors rendered to a guest in lieu of

or in addition to full military honors. This may be in the form of foyer,
ramp/plane side, concourse and side boy’s honors.
b. Dais - An elevated platform where the honoree and the military

host stand to give distinction and prominence.
c. Honoree – A high-ranking local/foreign military officer or civilian

to whom honors are accorded.
d. Honor Guard – consists of a band, Colors, salute battery (when

available and appropriate) and a formation of troops tasked to render personal
honors to persons entitled upon arrival/departure from a military command or
saluting base/station.
e. Honors – ceremonies rendered to local/foreign military officers

and civilian dignitaries as a gesture of courtesy and a tribute to his rank and/or
position.
f. Inspection – the close examination or observance of honor

guard by honoree.
g. Military Host – an officer designated to escort and receive the

honoree and advises him of actions that will take place during the conduct of
honors.
h. Ruffle and Flourish – a ruffling drumbeat and funfair played in

honor of a high official at a ceremonial reception.
i. Saluting Station – camps, posts, stations, national shrines and

other places where firing of gun salute is authorized.
j. Two-man Guard - a type of honors consisting of two soldiers

and an officer given to civilian or military dignitaries for practical purposes.
3. Policies
a. Personal Honors
1) Military Officers
(a) Only AFP general or flag rank officers in the active

service are entitled to military honors unless otherwise directed by the
CSAFP.
(b) A retired general/flag officer making an official visit

shall likewise be accorded with appropriate honors.
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(c) Newly-promoted generals will only be rendered

with full military honors at GHQ, their respective Major Service camps and
their own headquarters.
(d) Full military honors will no longer be given to

commanders going to another place/unit located within their headquarters in
the same camp/station. Instead, cordon honors will be appropriate for the
occasion.
(e) Civilian dignitaries making official visits shall be

accorded appropriate honors during arrival and departure from military
installation/station.
(f) When two or more persons entitled to honors

arrive at or depart from military installation/station at the same time, each in
turn shall be honored if they arrived successively. However, in cases when
the most senior guest has been accorded honors, no honors shall be
accorded to newly arrived junior guests.
(g) Should a person entitled to honors arrive at a

military installation / station at the time when honors have already begun, the
ceremony shall continue but the senior officer shall receive departure honors.
(h) If the honoree has a personal flag with him, the

flag bearer shall be positioned three steps behind the honoree and shall follow
the honoree during the inspection of troops and return to his original position
thereafter.
(i) If the honoree is a President or a Head of State,

the honoree must be positioned at least six inches right forward of the host
dais.
(j) No honors shall be rendered by troops in trenches.
(k) Honors shall not be rendered by troops directly

engaged in war campaigns, exercises and disaster relief operations.
(l) During personal honors at the same place and in

compliment to the same person, whether civilian or military, guns shall never
be fired more than once in a calendar year, except for a President or Head of
State or when International Protocol requires.
(m) In all cases, the national flag must be at full staff

when honors are being accorded.
(n) No military honors will be accorded during a

national holiday except for a President or Head of State or when International
Protocol requires.
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(o) No honors will be accorded after the flag retreat

and before flag raising except honors for the President or his designated
representative.
(p) Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast

Guard are not entitled to military honors.
b. Unit Honors
1) Local Deployment
(a) A ceremony shall be conducted to welcome/send

off unit’s arriving/departing for deployment outside unit AOR for a period of not
less than six months.
(b) The Commander or his representative (at least

two-levels up) shall be responsible in welcoming/sending off units under his
jurisdiction.
2) Foreign Deployment
(a) Major Service concerned shall be responsible for

the ceremony in honor of units arriving/departing from/for overseas
deployment.
(b) The Major Service Commander shall

welcome/send off arriving/departing units of his command.
(c) Spouses/parents of deployed personnel shall be

invited to send off or present leis to the officers and men of the departing /
arriving unit.
(d) The Chief of Staff, AFP or a civilian dignitary may

be invited to welcome/send off unit’s arriving/departing from/for overseas duty.
c. Gun Salute
1) Gun salute shall be under the direction of a

commissioned officer.
2) The National Flag shall always be at full staff at the time

the salute is rendered.
3) Gun salute shall only be fired during the conduct of arrival

/ departure honors at the following saluting stations / bases:
(a) Military Camps / Bases
1) Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
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• GHQ, AFP
2) Fort Andres Bonifacio
• Headquarters Philippine Army
3) AFP Unified Command Headquarters
4) National Shrines
• Rizal Park
• Libingan ng mga Bayani
• Aguinaldo Shrine
• Corrigidor National Shrine
• Dambana ng Kagitingan
• Capas National Shrine
• Los Veteranos National Shrine
5) Other Places
• Malacañang Palace
• Philippine International Airports\ as

directed by CSAFP.
4) The national salute is done by firing 21 guns

successively. This salute is rendered in honor of: the National Flag; the
President of the Philippines; Heads of State; and Former Presidents. During
National Heroes Day, the National Flag shall be displayed at half-staff from
reveille to midday at all posts, camps, bases and stations. Prior to the
rendering of honors the band of field music will be played.
d. How Honors Are Rendered
1) The President
(a) The President shall be received at the salute base

or at the building where he shall be entertained.
(b) A 21–gun salute shall be fired during the

arrival/departure honors.
(c) In a situation wherein honors will be rendered to

the President outside of military camps and without military units present in
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the area, a two-man Honor Guard shall be present at the bottom steps of the
aircraft to render honors. The most senior military commander in the area
shall lead them. When the President steps down from the plane, the honor
guards are positioned facing each other and welcome the President by a
salute. The left man commands PUGAY KAMAY, NA (if without arms) or
TANGHAL, TA (if with arms) as the President approaches and commands
BABA KAMAY, NA (if without arms) or BABA, TA (if with arms) after the
President passed by them.
(d) In case the President was already given full

military honors at the point of disembarkation, the President shall no longer be
given full military honors at the area where the President will be going.
(e) In case the President will be rendered full military

honors in the place of engagement, the President will be given cordon honors
at the point of disembarkation.
Figure 3.1 Arrival Honor.
(f) In case the President arrived in front of the troops

already massed and assembled for parade and review in honor of the
President, the full military honors shall be waived to avoid redundancy in
rendering honors. Instead, cordon honors will be appropriate. If the parade
and review is to be rendered in another place of engagement, military honors
will be given.
(g) Unless otherwise military honors or cordon honors

will be given to the President, a two-man honor guard will always be present
at the bottom of the aircraft and render salute as the President steps down or
boards the plane.
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(h) During the presidential official visit in both Houses

of Congress like in the State of the Nation Address, the President will be
accorded cordon honors before entering the house.
(i) During Independence Day celebration, the

President will be accorded full military honors in front of the grandstand.
(j) In case the President or Head of State arrives from

the aircraft and exits by the tube of the terminal, a cordon honors will be
positioned to render honor to the President or Head of State.
2) To certain dignitaries – A president of a foreign republic

or a foreign sovereign shall be rendered the honors prescribed in paragraph
(a) above except that the national anthem of his country shall be played first
to be followed by the Philippine National Anthem.
3) To Ex-Presidents and Vice Presidents – The Ex-

President and Vice President of the Philippines shall be rendered the honors
prescribed for the President, except that the flourishes shall be followed by a
march in lieu of the National Anthem and the Vice President shall receive a
salute of 19 guns. If no band is present, the bugles shall sound To the Colors
after the ruffles and flourishes.
4) To Ambassadors – Foreign Ambassadors will be given

one military honors during their stay in the country. This will be done during
their presentation of credentials at the Malacañang Palace.
5) Civilian and military dignitaries hereunder shall be

rendered salutes and honors with music (which is considered an inseparable
part of the salute and will immediately follow the ruffles and flourishes without
pause):
RFLS &
RANK GUN SALUTE FLRS MUSIC SIZE
ARRIVAL DEPARTURE
President 21 21 4 Nat’l Anthem Bn
President-elect 21 21 4 Nat’l Anthem Bn
Ex-President 21 21 4 March Bn
A sovereign or 21 21 4 Nat’l anthem Bn
head of state of
a foreign
country:
Head of Gov’t 19 19 4 March Bn
Vice President 19 19 4 March Bn
Chief Justice 19 19 4 March Bn
Senate 19 19 4 March Bn
President
Speaker of the 19 19 4 March Bn
House of
Representative
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s
Secretary of 19 19 4 March Bn
National
Defense
Undersecretary 17 17 4 March Coy
of National
Defense
Figure 3.2 Civilian Dignitaries.
Note: Provincial governor/municipal mayor hosting military camps will

no longer be given arrival/departure honors during his visit to the camp/base
by the unit concerned.
RFLS
RANK GUN SALUTE & MUSIC SIZ
FLRS E
ARRIVAL DEPARTURE
Chief of Staff 19 19 4 Gen March Bn
Vice Chief of 19 19 4 Gen March Bn
Staff
General 17 17 4 Gen March Bn
Lt General 15 15 3 Gen March Bn
Major Svc 15 15 3 Gen March Bn
Comdr
Major General 13 - 2 Gen March Coy
Brigadier 11 - 1 Gen March Coy
General
Figure 3.3 Military Officers.
4. Procedures
a. Arrival and Departure Honors (Individual)
1) Full Military Honors. Initially, the honor guard battalion

shall be at parade rest. The Honor Guard Commander (HGC) brings the unit
to attention as soon as the honoree arrives. The military host, who escorts
him in front of the honor guard battalion and leads him to the dais, meets the
honoree.
(a) The HGC faces about and commands TANGHAL,

TA then faces about and presents sword together with his staff, while the
honoree and military host execute hand salute.
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Figure 3.4 Full Military Honors 1.
(b) Appropriate number of ruffles and flourishes shall

be played by the band to be followed by an appropriate music, General’s
March or National Anthem as the case maybe. Gun salute, if any, shall
commence with the first note of the ruffles and shall be evenly distributed until
the last note of the music.
(c) After the last note of the music, the HGC carries
sword with the staff then faces about and commands BABA, TA. He faces
about and salutes the honoree, saying “Handa na po and tanod pandangal
upang libutin”.
(d) The honoree acknowledges the salute and the

HGC carries his sword and escorts him and the military host for the inspection
of the honor guards. As they approach the Colors, six paces before it, the
HGC commands TANGHAL, TA. The HGC presents sword while honoree
and military host execute hand salute for the Colors. Three steps after the
Colors, HGC commands BABA, TA. The HGC executes carry sword while the
honoree and the military host drop their hand salute. They continue marching
toward the last elements. The HGC continues marching with the honoree and
host up to the point where he reels off from the two personages and proceeds
to his position in front of his staff. The honoree and military host march directly
back to their original positions at the dais.

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(e) At this point, the HGC faces the honor guard

battalion and commands TANGHAL, TA. He then faces about and executes
present sword together with his staff. The honoree acknowledges the salute
and HGC and staff execute carry sword. The HGC faces about and
commands BABA, TA. The HGC executes about face and salutes the
honoree, saying “Tapos na po ang parangal”.
(f) In case the honoree is more than one, the most

senior honoree will be the one at the dais. In case all are of the same rank or
category, one will occupy the dais and the rest will align beside the honoree to
be bestowed with honors. During the inspection they can join the inspection of
the troops. They will follow at the back of the main honoree for the period of
the inspection.
(g) During inclement weather, arrival and departure

honors will be waived, except honors to be accorded for the President and
Head of State. They will be accorded with cordon honors, if practicable.
2) Cordon Honors /Honor Guard
(a) In addition to a scheduled honor guard ceremony,

a honor cordon ceremonies will be used during the arrival or departure of the
President and certain dignitaries: welcoming or bidding farewell to
distinguished visitors and visiting military camps. The ceremony consists of a
select group of soldiers with characteristics associated with honor guards,
designated to honor and provide security at the immediate arrival and
departure site. This type of honors may also be used for other government
and military officials, and foreign dignitaries, if practicable.
(b) The honor cordon normally consists of two squads,

a cordon commander and a host. The size of the squad is equal to the
number of gun salute the honoree is entitled to. When deemed appropriate,
the commander may designate a band, colors and distinguishing flags.
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POINT OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
BAND IS OPTIONAL AND ITS

LOCATION WILL BE DICTATED
BY SPACE
Figure 3.7 Honor Cordon Formations
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3) Arrival Honors (Honor Cordon)
(a) Arrival. Upon arrival of the craft or vehicle, the

cordon is marched at a position near the exit (ramp) in two columns,
centered to the exit, faced to the center and dressed with about three steps
distance between the ranks. As the honored guest and greeting party depart
the immediate vicinity of the exit, and approach within three steps of the host,
the cordon commander commands TANGHAL, TA (if with arms) or PUGAY
KAMAY, NA (if with arms) and the cordon members salute simultaneously.
After the honored guest and all greeting party members have cleared the
formation, the cordon commander commands BABA, TA (if with arms) or
BABA KAMAY, NA (if without arms) and the cordon members come to order
arms simultaneously.
(b) Departure. The formation for the honor cordon

upon departure is basically the same as that described during arrival. At the
approach (about three steps) of the honored guest and host, the cordon
commander commands TANGHAL, TA and the cordon executes present
arms. When the honored guest has entered the conveyance, the cordon
commander commands BABA, TA and remains in place until the conveyance
has departed. If it is an aircraft, the honor cordon exits as soon as the
honoree has boarded the aircraft.
(c) When a band and Colors are part of the arrival or

departure ceremonies, they are positioned accordingly. The band plays
appropriate music during the ceremony. The organizational color is dipped in
salute when the honored guest approaches to within six steps. After he
passes, it is returned to the carry positions. As soon as the guest enters the
conveyance ceremony, the colors and distinguishing flags depart the area
with the honor cordon.
b. Arrival and Departure Honors (Unit). Initially, the unit is formed

in mass in front of the grandstand. When the Guest of Honor / Speaker (GOH)
or his designated representative arrives at the grandstand, the Unit
Commander (UC) brings his troops to attention. When the GOH has taken his
seat, the UC brings his troops to present arms and present his troops to the
GOH. The GOH acknowledges the presentation. At this point, the band plays
appropriate march music (everybody in the grandstand should likewise stand).
After the last note of the March music, the UC brings back his troops to
attention. The Chaplain proceeds to the lectern to lead the invocation,
afterwards, he returns to his position (everybody takes his seat after the
invocation).
1) Awarding. The emcee formally announces the start of the

awarding. The UC and unit colors move forward at a predetermined point and
halt while the GOH goes down the grandstand assisted by the host to present
the award. The adjutant reads the citation of the award before it is presented
to the UC. The GOH and the host return to the grandstand after the
presentation of award. The UC and unit color proceed back to their former
positions.
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2) Speeches. The host introduces the GOH before he

proceeds to the lectern to deliver a welcome address. If previously ordered to
bring his troop to parade rest, the UC brings his unit to attention after the
address of the GOH.
3) Recessional. The UC and his troops sing Pilipinas Kong

Mahal. The band thereafter for the recessional shall play appropriate music.
At this juncture, the spouses/parents proceed toward the troops to present leis
to the officers and enlisted men of the unit. Parent/spouses join their
respective relatives for the dismissal.
Note: Procedures for the send-off ceremony of unit departing for

overseas deployment/duty shall be the same as the welcome ceremony
except that the awarding and presentation of leis are omitted in the program.
Likewise, the band instead of March music plays the National Anthem during
the presentation of troops.
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CHAPTER 4
COLORS
Section 4-1 The Colors and Color
1. Definitions
a. Colors - The term Colors means the national and positional or

organizational colors.
b. Color - When used singularly, the term Color refers to the

National Color (National Flag).
2. The Colors and Color
a. Only the National Color is entitled to a salute by individuals or

units.
b. In garrison, the Colors are normally kept at the office or

headquarters of the commanding officer. They are escorted to and from the
headquarters or office by the Color Guard. In the field, the Colors are normally
displayed from reveille to retreat in front of the commanding officer’s tent or
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command post. During inclement weather, they are cased and placed in the
commanding officer’s office, headquarters, or tent.
c. Individuals or units render honors when passing or are being

passed by uncased Colors. When not part of a formation, individual’s salute at
a six step distance from the Colors and hold the salute until they have passed
six steps beyond the Colors. The individual in charge of a formation calls the
formation to HUMANDA and TANGHAL, TA.
d. The Colors may be carried in any formation wherein two or more

companies, honor guards, or representative elements of a command
participate.
e. Traditionally, the command Sergeant Major is responsible for

the safeguarding, care, and display of the organizational color. He is also
responsible for the selection, training, and performance of the Color bearers
and Color guards.
f. The regulation for individual flags and distinguishing flags for

general officers and other dignitaries is the same as that for organizational
colors.
g. During a review, parade, or honor guard ceremony, only one

National Color should be present. The National Color is given the honor
position and is carried on marching, at the right of positional and
organizational colors. The organizational color of the senior headquarters
sponsoring the ceremony is carried to the left of the Major Service flag. The
Colors belonging to the headquarters conducting the ceremonies are
positioned in line with and centered on the command. Subordinate Color-
bearing organizations ordinarily carry only their organizational colors (four
steps to the rear of their staff).
h. When the formation of the Colors is en masse, the National

Color is placed in front and at the center of the Color guards. The
organizational colors are placed immediately behind the National Color and
arranged according to the seniority of the units participating in the ceremony.
3. Salutes
a. The National Color renders no salute (dip).
b. The organizational color salutes (dips) in all military ceremonies

while the National Anthem, To the Color, or a foreign national anthem is
being played, and when rendering honors to the organizational commander,
an individual of higher grade including foreign dignitaries of higher grade, and
in other cases specified.
c. When marching, organizational colors salute six steps before

the person entitled to the salute. They are returned to the carry position six
steps after the person.
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4. Color Guard
a. The Color Guard consists of two sergeants and two privates. To

be selected as a member of the Color Guard is an honor. The Senior (Color)
Sergeant carries the National Color and commands the Color Guard. He gives
the necessary commands for the movements and for rendering honors.
b. When battalions or brigades carry their organizational colors in a

ceremony as part of a larger command, the battalion or brigade color is
carried four steps to the rear of the staff. A sergeant acts as Color bearer and
two experienced privates, selected by the battalion or brigade command
Sergeant Major, act as members of the Color Guard.
c. The Color guards are formed and marched in one rank at close
interval, the bearer in the center. They do not execute Rear March or About
Face. The Color guards march at the Right Shoulder Arms and execute facing
movements by wheeling to the right or left. The command for a facing
movement is, IKOT SA KANAN (KALIWA), NA. To execute a wheeling
movement, the guard nearest the direction of the turn serves as the pivot
point and executes the movement by marching in place and simultaneously
turning in the new direction. Other members shorten their steps and turn in an
arc keeping abreast of each other to maintain alignment. When the movement
has been completed, each member automatically marches in place until the
command TILAP, TO or PASULONG, KAD is given.
d. When passing in review, the Color guards execute Eyes Right at

the prescribed saluting distance on the command of the Color sergeant. The
commands are HANDA TINGIN SA KANAN, NA and HANDA RAP. The
organizational color salutes at the command NA, and resumes the carry
position at the command RAP. The guard on the right flank of the Color Guard
does not execute Eyes Right.
e. During ceremonies, the color guards remain at Right Shoulder

Arms except when presenting arms.
f. When not participating in a ceremony and a situation that

warrants a salute by the organizational color occurs, the Color Sergeant
commands PUGAY, WATAWAT. The return to the carry is made at the
command HANDA DALA, WATAWAT.
g. When in formation with the Color Company, and not during a

ceremony, the Color bearers execute at ease and rest, keeping the staff of the
Colors vertical. The Color guards execute the Right Shoulder, Order Arms,
and Present Arms with the Color Company. During ceremonies when the
Colors are not forward and remarks are to be made, the Color guards and
Color bearers execute Order Arms and Parade Rest on command of the Color
Company Commander. During any ceremony when the units are At Ease, the
Color guards and Color bearers are at Parade Rest.
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h. The uniform for color guards should be the same as that of the
prescribed for participating troops.
5. Receiving or Dismissing the Colors by the Color Guard
a. When receiving uncased Colors on display in the commander’s

office, the Color Sergeant commands TANGHAL, TA and HANDA, RAP.
Upon completion of Order Arms, the Color bearers (without command) secure
the Colors. The Color Guard files outside (guard, National Color,
organizational color, guard) and reforms in a line formation. The Color guards
execute Right Shoulder Arms and the Color bearers assume the carry
position.
b. To dismiss the Colors, the procedures are basically the same

except that the Colors are placed back in their stands before executing
Present Arms.
Section 4-2 Manuals for the Color Bearer/Guard
6. Organizational. The Color Guard consists of five men. The most

senior man is the Color Sergeant (officer) who commands the guards. The
next two senior men are the color bearers, and the two other men, junior to
the color bearers, are the color guards. The two color bearers are unarmed,
and the color guards carry either pistols or rifles. The senior color bearer
carries the National Colors, and the junior color bearer carries the
organizational colors. When only the National Colors is carried, the Color
Guard will have one-color bearer. When organizational colors are carried with
the National Colors, extra color bearers are added in order of color
precedence
7. Formation. The Color guards are formed and marched in one rank at
close interval. The National Color bearer is ALWAYS ON THE RIGHT, with
the organizational color bearer to his left, and the color guard on each side.
The Color Guard does not execute to the Rear March, facing movements,
flanking or color movement, or fix bayonets. When the unit, to which the Color
Guard is attached, except fix bayonets, executes any such commands the
senior color bearer orders an appropriate movement to bring his guard to
proper position. The Color Guard then executes PALUWAG and PAHINGA
with the Color Company (battalion). However there is no prescribed position
of At Ease or Rest for the Color Guard. When such commands are given to
the Color Company (Battalion), the Color Guard executes TIKAS, PAHINGA.
8. Manual of the Colors
a. Order Color - At Order color, the lower ferrule rest on the deck,
touching the outside edge of your shoes just opposite your little toe. The staff
is grasped in the “V” formed by the thumb and fingers of your right hands,
back of the hand to the right front. Your right elbow should be close to your
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side so the forearm will help support the staff. The staff rests in the hollow of
your right shoulder in a vertical position. The flat side of the spearhead is
toward the front. The rest of your body is at attention. Color guards armed
with the rifle are at Order Arms (both rifles at the right side) when the Colors
are at the order.
b. Carry Color from Order Color - The command is HANDA DALA,

WATAWAT. On the command, HANDA DALA, change the grasp on the staff
so as to grasp it from the rear between the thumb and fingers of the right
hand, fingers joined and wrapped around the staff. On the command of
execution, WATAWAT, raise the staff smartly with your right hand to a point
where the lower ferrule is just above the sling socket. Grasp the staff just
above the lower ferrule with your left hand to steady it. Seat the lower ferrule
in the sling socket. As the ferrule is seated, allow the right hand to slide down
the staff to a point where your thumb is directly in front of your chin. Grasp the
staff firmly with the right hand and return the left hand to the left side. The
right arm should be parallel to the deck, with the staff inclined slightly forward.
Color Guards armed with rifles execute Right and Left Shoulder Arms on the
command WATAWAT so that the rifles are on the outboard shoulder.
c. Order Color from Carry Color - The command is BABA,

WATAWAT. On the preparatory command, BABA, grasp the staff just above
the sling socket and remove the ferrule. On the command of execution,
WATAWAT, lower the ferrule to a point above the deck along the outside of
the right shoe, releasing the left hand and regrasping above the right. Relax
the right hand so the staff will slide down between the thumb and fingers.
Then change the position of the color and right hand as it is held at order color
and smartly return the left hand to the left side.
d. Present Color from Order Color - The command is TANGHAL,

WATAWAT. On the preparatory command, TANGHAL, change the grasp of
the right hand on the staff so as to grasp it firmly from the rear between the
thumb and fingers joined and wrapped around the staff. At the same time, the
National Color bearer will raise the staff smartly with the right hand to a point
where the lower ferrule is just above the sling socket. Grasp the staff with the
left hand just above the lower ferrule to steady it. Seat the lower ferrule in the
sling socket, allowing the right hand to slide down the staff so the right thumb
is in front of the chin, and grasp the staff firmly with the right hand. The right
arm is parallel to the deck, staff inclined slightly forward. On the command of
execution, TA, the organizational color bearer will execute the same
movements as the National Color bearer. Both color bearers will then return
their left hand to the left side. The Color guards execute Present Arms (Hand
Salute if armed with the pistol) on the command of TANGHAL, TA.
e. Dipping of the Organizational Colors while at Present Arms -

Organizational Colors are dipped during the playing of the National Anthem,
morning and evening colors, ruffles and flourishes, General or Admiral’s
March and gun salutes. THE NATIONAL COLOR DOES NOT DIP. Dipping
the color is executed on the first note of the music by smartly extending the
arm(s) to the front, lowering the staff. It is terminated on the last note of the
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music or following the last round of the gun salute by smartly raising the staff
so the right thumb is directly in front of the chin and the staff is inclined slightly
to the front.
f. Order Color from Present Color - The command is BABA,

WATAWAT. On the command of execution, WATAWAT, come to the
position of Order Color as previously described. The color guards execute
arms on the command of Order Arms.
g. Rests With the Color - The color bearer and color guards utilize
the position of Parade Rest in lieu of At Ease or Rest. The command is given
only when at Order Color, given by the senior color bearer or the Commander
of the Color Company (battalion). It is executed in one count. On the
command of execution PAHINGA, smartly place the left foot twelve inches to
the left of the right foot, heels on line, legs straight without stiffness, weight on
both legs. At the same time, place your left hand at the small of the back, just
below the belt. The fingers are extended and joined. The thumb is along the
hand and the palm is to the rear. The elbow will be on line with your body.
Color guards execute Parade Rest as prescribed for the manner in which they
are armed. On the command of execution, HUMANDA, they will resume the
position of Order Color (Order Arms for the Color Guard).
h. Eyes Right (Left) from Order or Carry Colors - The command is

HANDA KANAN (KALIWA) TINGIN, NA. It is executed only when halted at
Order Color or marching at Carry Color. The right (left) man in the Color
Guard or the National Color bearer, does not execute this command.
1) While Halted at Order Color - On the command of

execution, TINGIN, smartly turn the head and eyes to the right (left) 45
degrees.
2) While Marching at Carry Color -Both the preparatory

command and the command of execution will be given as the right (left) foot
strikes the deck. On the command of execution, TINGIN, turn the head and
eyes to the right (left) 45 degrees as the left (right) foot strikes the deck. If the
person being saluted is entitled to a salute by the organizational color, the
organizational color bearer also lowers the staff smartly to the front by
straightening the right arm.
i. Order or Carry Colors from Eyes Right (Left)
1) While Halted at Order Color- During a review, when the

reviewing officer troops the line, the command, HANDA, RAP, is not given.
Each member of the Color Guard executing Eyes Right (Left) will follow the
progress of the reviewing officer with his head and eyes until they are at the
front, at which time the movement is terminated.
2) While Marching at Carry Color - The command is HANDA

RAP. Both the preparatory command and the command of execution will be
given as the left (right) foot strikes the deck. On the command of execution,
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RAP, smartly turn the head and eyes to the front as the right (left) foot strikes
the deck. If the organizational color bearer lowered the organizational color he
will smartly raise the staff up as he turns his head to the front.
9. Movement of the Color Guard
a. To face the color guard to the right or left, the command is PIHIT
SA KANAN (KALIWA), KAD. It may be executed while halted, marking time
or marching. On the command of execution, KAD, with the right (left) flank
man acting as a stationary pivot, the Color Guard inclines to the right (left)
until they face the new direction. To face the Color Guard to the rear, the
command is WATAWAT, PALIT LUNAN, and KAD. It may be given while
halted, marking time or marching. When marking time or marching, the
command is given as the left foot strikes the deck. The Color Guard then
takes one more step at mark time, or forward, and then executes the following
movements:
1) The right flank color guard takes two steps forward, faces
to the left marching, taking one full step and three half steps, faces to the left
marching, and takes two steps in the new direction. He marks time until all
are abreast.
2) The senior color bearer faces to the left marching, taking

one full step, and faces to the left while marking time. He marks time until all
are abreast.
3) The junior color bearer takes one step forward, faces to

the right marching, takes one full step and one step that places the left foot
directly beside the right, faces to the right marching and takes one step in the
new direction with the right foot. He then marks time until all are abreast.
4) The left flank color guard takes one step forward, faces to
the right as in marching, taking one full step and three half steps, faces to the
right marching, and takes one step in the new direction. He marks time until
all are abreast.
5) Upon completion of movement by the color guards, they

mark time until the senior color bearer commands, WATAWAT, HINTO or
PASULONG, KAD.
10. Receiving the Colors
a. The company is marched to the front of the Battalion

Headquarters, in column, and the Company Commander commands,
BALANGAY, HINTO; BABA, TA; HARAP SA KALIWA, RAP.
b. The Company Commander commands the Color Guard

TANGGAPIN ANG MGA WATAWAT.
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c. The Color Guard marches within three paces from the Battalion
Adjutant and Sergeant Major, halts, and executes Order Arms upon the
command of the senior color bearer.
d. When the Adjutant is ready to deliver the Colors, the senior color
bearer orders TANGHAL, TA. On the command of execution, TA, the color
bearers execute Hand Salute.
e. The Adjutant steps to his left oblique and transfers the National
Color to the senior color bearer, who terminates his salute in time to receive
the Color at the position of Carry Color. The Adjutant then steps back to his
original position and salutes.
f. Upon the Adjutant’s salute, the Sergeant Major steps to his right
oblique and transfers the organizational color to the junior color bearer who
has terminated his salute with the senior color bearer. The junior color bearer
receives the Color at the position of Carry Color. The Sergeant Major then
steps back to his original position and salutes.
g. When the Sergeant Major salutes, the senior color bearer

commands BABA, TA. The Adjutant and Sergeant Major terminate their
salutes as the Color Guard executes Order Arms.
h. The Color Guard executes Carry Colors, and the senior color
bearer then marches the Color Guard to the Color Company.
i. The Color Guard approaches and halts 10 paces in front of and

facing the Company Commander. It then executes Order Color.
i. The Company Commander faces about and orders TANGHAL,

TA, faces about again, and salutes. The Color Guard executes TANGHAL,
TA (Hand Salute if armed with pistols) with the Company then the color
bearer executes Carry Color.
j. The Company Commander terminates his salute, faces about

and commands BABA, TA; the Color Guard executes Order Color as the
Company terminates its Present Arms.
k. The Company Commander faces about and orders MGA

WATAWAT, SUMALUNAN. When the Color Company is in column, the post
of the guard is six paces behind it.
l. When the Color Company joins the battalion, the Color Guard
takes its appropriate post in the battalion formation. When the Color Battalion
joins the regiment, the Color Guard takes its appropriate post in the
regimental formation.
m. When in formation, the Color Guard executes At Ease and rests

with the Color Company.
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11. Returning the Colors
a. The company is halted in front of the Battalion Headquarters in

line. The company commander commands, BABA, TA; HARAP SA KALIWA,
RAP.
b. The Company Commander gives the command, IRETIRO ANG

MGA WATAWAT.
c. The guard marches from his post and halts 10 paces in front
facing the Company Commander. They then execute Order Arms.
d. The company then executes Present Arms in the same manner

e. The senior color bearer marches and halts the guard three
paces in front of the Adjutant and Sergeant Major, who have taken positions
near the office or quarters of the organizational commander in time to receive
the colors. The guards remain at Carry Colors.
f. When the Color Guard halts, the Adjutant and Sergeant Major
salute. The Sergeant Major steps to his right oblique and receives the
organizational color from the junior color bearer. He then steps back to his
original position.
g. When the Sergeant Major is back in his position, the adjutant

step to his left oblique and receives the National Color from the senior color
bearer. He then steps back to his original position.
h. When the Adjutant is in position, the senior color bearer

commands, TANGHAL, TA. On the command of execution, TA, the Adjutant
and Sergeant Major face about and march to the office or quarter of the
Commanding Officer, where they deposit the colors without further ceremony.
i. When the colors are out of sight or six paces away, the senior
color bearer commands BABA, TA and marches them back to the Color
Company. The Company Commander marches the company backs to its
area.
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CHAPTER 5
GUARD MOUNTING
CEREMONIAL GUARD MOUNTING
Section 5-1 Informal
1. Sequence of Activities
a. The Sergeant of the Guard forms the guard by commanding

HUMANAY. The Relief Commander falls in so that the guard is three steps in
front and centered on the Sergeant of the Guard. Each relief forms at normal
interval to the left of its respective commander, sentinels form in the order of
their assigned post (one, two, three, etc.), the Sergeant of the Guard orders
inspection of arms by the commands SIYASAT TA, AGAP TA, BABA TA (Fig
5.2).
b. If an officer has been detailed as Commander of the Guard, the

Sergeant of the Guard faces about and reports “Nandito na pong lahat.”
Salutes are exchanged. After completing the report, the Sergeant of the
Guard faces about, faces half right in marching, and marches by the most
direct route to a position directly behind the Commander of the Third Relief at
normal distance (Fig 5.2).
c. If an officer has not been detailed as Commander of the Guard,

the Sergeant of the Guard takes three steps forward and assumes the
position of the Commander of the Guard (Fig 5.2).
d. When the Officer of the Day arrives, the Commander of the

Guard reports “Narito na pong lahat.” They exchange salutes.
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OFFICER OF THE DAY SERGEANT MAJOR
OLD OFFICER OF THE DAY

SGT OF THE GUARD
ADJUTANT ASST SGT OF THE

GUARD
COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
COMMANDER OF THE
RELIEF
ASST COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
Figure 5.1 Legends for Formation of Guards.
3 STEPS
6 STEPS
18 STEPS
Figure 5.2 Formation for informal Guard Mounting.
e. Marching to Center. The Officer of the Day commands PINUNO

AT MGA KAWAL PUMAGITNA, KAD. On the command PUMAGITNA the
Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) farthest to the rear commands the other
NCOs SA KANANG BALIKAT, TA. On the command KAD, the Commander of
the Guard marches forward and halts three steps in front of the Officer of the
Day. The NCOs march forward and execute column left without command
when on a line three steps to the rear of the Commander of the Guard. The
NCO in the rear commands the other NCOs to halt and face to the right (at
Right Shoulder Arms) when they are centered on the Commander of the
Guard (Fig 5.3).
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Figure 5.3 Marching to Center.
f. After the Commander of the Guard and the NCOs halt and are
in position, the Officer of the Day marches forward, halts at normal distance in
front of the Commander of the Guard and designates PINUNO NG TANOD.
He then faces half right in marching and marches around and to the rear of
the Commander of the Guard. He halts at normal distance in front of the right
flank NCO and designates SARHENTO NG TANOD. He then faces half right
in marching and marches around and to the rear of the Commander of the
Guard. He faces to the right in marching, takes two steps, halts, executes a
left face, and designates PINUNO, PANGATLONG PAMALIT. He moves to
the remaining NCOs in the same manner and designates PINUNO
PANGALAWANG PAMALIT and PINUNO UNANG PAMALIT. He then faces
about, marches by the most direct route to his post, halts and faces about
again (Fig 5.4). If an officer is not present as commander of the guard, the
Officer of the Day designates the right flank NCO, PINUNO NG TANOD.
g. Return to Post. The Officer of the Day commands

SUMALUNAN. At this command, the Commander of the Guard and NCO face
about, march to their designated post, and halt without command. The
Sergeant of the Guard commands the relief commander to BABA, TA and
HARAP SA LIKOD, RAP. If an officer has not been detailed as Commander of
the Guard, the First Relief Commander gives these commands (Fig 5.5).
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SERGEANT OF THE GUARD

COMMANDER THIRD RELIEF
COMMANDER OF SECOND RELIEF

COMMANDER FIRST RELIEF
COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
Figure 5.4 Designations of Personnel.
6 STEPS
Figure 5.5 Returns to Posts.
h. Inspecting the Guard
1) The Officer of the Day commands HUMANDA SA

PAGSISIYASAT. At this command, the Commander of the Guard, without
saluting, faces about and commands PABUKANG TALUDTOD, NA. Ranks
are opened and dressed. When the Commander of the Guard has taken his
post, the Officer of the Day inspects the guard.
2) The Officer of the Day orders sentinels who are not

presentable for guard to fall out and return to quarters. Supernumeraries, if
any, replace the men who have fallen out. After inspecting the guard, the
Officer of the Day resumes his original position and commands DALHIN ANG
MGA TANOD SA BAHAY TANURAN. Salutes are exchanged. The
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Commander of the Guard faces to the left and commands LAPIT TALUDTOD,
KAD. He then moves to his position six steps in front of and centered on the
guard, faces the guard and commands HARAP SA KANAN, RAP; KANANG
BALIKAT, TA. He positions himself at the head of the left file at normal
distance and marches the guard to the guardhouse.
i. Relieving the Old Guard. Before the new guard arrives at the
guardhouse, the old guard is formed in a line formation with two or more
reliefs. The Commander of the Old Guard positions himself six steps in front
of and centered on the guard. When the new guard is six steps from the left
flank of the old guard, the Commander of the New Guard commands HANDA,
TINGIN SA KANAN, NA. He faces back to the front and renders the proper
salutes. When the new guard has cleared the right flank of the old guard, the
commander of the new guard commands HANDA, RAP. The Commander of
the Old Guard faces about, commands BABA, TA and faces back to the front.
j. Formation of the Old Guard and the New Guard at the

Guardhouse. After the new guard executes HANDA, RAP, the Commander of
the Guard commands KANANG PANIG, KAD. At the command KAD he
positions himself six steps in the rear of and centered on his guard. He halts
the new guard when it is in line with and six steps to the right of the old guard.
Then he commands BABA, TA; HARAP SA LIKOD, RAP. The left flank man,
first relief, verifies six steps interval, dress left dress. He aligns his guard as
shown in Fig 5.6a.
k. Presenting the New and the Old Guard. When the new guard is
in position, the commander of both guards face about and commands
TANGHAL, TA. Then they face each other and exchange salutes, face toward
their respective guards, command BABA, TA, and face back to the front.
l. Presenting the Guards to the Officer of the Day. After the new
guard has been presented to the old guard, the new and old Officers of the
Day take their positions 18 steps in front of and centered on their respective
guards. Commanders of both guards face about, command TANGHAL, TA;
face back to the front and salute their respective officers of the day. After
exchanging salutes, both commanders face about, command BABA, TA and
face back to the front. When both have faced back to the front, the officers of
the day face each other and the New Officer of the Day salutes the Old Officer
of the Day. After saluting each other, both officers of the day face their
respective guards.
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6 STEPS
NEW GUARD OLD GUARD
18 STEPS
NEW GUARD NEW GUARD
Figure 5.6a Formation of the Guard at the Guard House.
m. Disposition of the New and Old Guards. After both officers of the
day have faced their guards, the New Officer of the Day commands
ISALUNAN ANG UNANG PAMALIT. The new commander salutes the Officer
of the Day, faces about, and commands TIWALAG. The guard reports to the
guardhouse and the Commander of the Guard for instruction on posting his
relief. The Old Officer of the Day commands TIWALAG ANG MGA TANOD.
The old commander salutes the Old Officer of the Day, faces about and
commands PAHINGA. He then contacts the new commander and conveys
any instruction and others.
1) If the old guard was furnished from one company, the

Commander of the Old Guard marches the guard to the company area and
dismisses it by commanding SIYASAT, TA; AGAP, TA; TIWALAG.
2) If the guard was furnished from more than one company,

the commander of the old guard marches the guard detail to the company
area and dismisses it, in accordance with the above.
3) After relieving the third relief of the old guard, the

Commander of the Relief reports to the Commander of the Guard. The
commander of the new guard inspects the relief and orders the Relief
Commander to march the relief to the company area and dismiss it. Salutes
are exchanged. The relief is dismissed in accordance with the above.
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Section 5-2 Formal
a. Assembly of Band. The band takes its place on the parade

ground at a point where its left flanks 12 steps to the right of where the right
flank of the guard will be. When the Adjutant is sure that the guard is ready to
march onto the parade ground, he signals the band to sound the Adjutant’s
Call.
b. Assembly and Forming the Guard. The Guard Details are

formed as prescribed in Informal Guard Mounting. When assembly sounds,
each guard detail is marched to the point of assembly of the parade ground
and reports to the Sergeant of the Guard. The Guard Details are assembled
and formed into a platoon. If there are more than 14 men per rank, the guard
is divided into two platoons. The Assistant Sergeant of the Guard takes his
post three steps in front and centered on the second. The remaining NCOs, if
any, form on the left flank to equalize the number of men in each rank. After
the platoons are formed, the Sergeant of the Guard faces the guard to the
right. Marching the Guard to the Parade Ground. Upon the Adjutant’s Call, the
band plays march music. The Adjutant, with the Sergeant Major on his left,
marches forward on the first note of the music.
c. The Sergeant of the Guard takes his post three steps to the left
of the left file and centered on the guard. He commands KANANG BALIKAT,
TA at the first note of the Adjutant’s Call and marches the guard in column
onto the parade ground. He approaches the parade ground from a direction
near to the final line, which the guard will form. He halts the guard when the
head of the column is 12 steps from the left flank of the band and centered on
the Sergeant major. At this time, the band stops playing. The Sergeant of the
Guard faces to the right and, if appropriate commands BABA, TA; HARAP SA
KALIWA, RAP.
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Figure 5.6b Marching the Guard to the Parade Ground.
d. Dressing the Guard. The Sergeant of the Guard and the

Assistant Sergeant of the Guard, if there are two platoons, dress the guard.
e. Sergeant of the Guard. When the Sergeant of the Guard

commands HANDA, HARAP, the Commander of the Guards positions himself
six steps in the rear of the right flank man of the rear flank. (If there are two
platoons, the Assistant Commander of the Guard takes his post behind the
second platoon in the same position as prescribed for the Commander of the
Guard.) The Sergeant of the Guard faces about and reports to the Sergeant
major, “Lahat po’y narito” or”__________ ang wala.” Salutes are exchanged
and the Sergeant Major commands SUMALUNAN. The Sergeant of the
Guard faces about, faces half right in marching, and marches to his post. He
halts at normal distance directly behind the Commander of the Third Relief. If
an Assistant Sergeant of the Guard is present, he executes the movement
cited above at the command SUMALUNAN, and posts himself directly behind
the Commander of the Third Relief. The Sergeant of the Guard positions
himself behind the Assistant Sergeant of the Guard at a normal distance (Fig
5.7).
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Figure 5.7 Formation of Two Platoons.
f. Sergeant Major’s Report.
1) After commanding SUMALUNAN, the Sergeant Major

faces about and reports to the Adjutant, “Lahat na po’y narito” or
“______________ ang wala”. They exchange salutes. The Sergeant Major
faces about, marches to his post and halts at normal interval to the left of left
flank men of the first rank of the second platoon.
2) When the Sergeant Major has finished his report and has
faced about, the Commander of the Guard marches from his position in the
rear of the guard around its right flank to his post six steps in front of and
centered on the guard. If there are two platoons, the Assistant Commander of
the Guard, if present, takes his post in front of the second platoon (Fig 5.7).
g. Marching to Center
1) The Adjutant commands PINUNO (MGA PINUNO) AT

PINUNONG HINDI HIRANG, NA. The procedures for marching to center is
the same as Informal Guard Mounting except that when there are two
commanders of the guard, the senior is designated “Punong Tanod” and the
junior “Pangalawang Punong Tanod.”
2) If there are two Sergeants of the Guard, the senior is

designated TANDES NG TANOD and the junior PANGALAWANG TANDES
NG TANOD. The post of the Assistant Sergeant of the Guard is the position of
the guide for the second platoon.
h. Return to Post. After returning to his post, the Adjutant

commands SUMALUNAN. Posts are taken as directed in Informal Guard
Mounting (Fig 5.8).
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6 STEPS
Figure 5.8 Return to Posts.
i. Inspecting the Guard
1) During Formal Guard mounting, the Adjutant, instead of

the Officer of the Day, inspects the guard.
2) After the Officer(s) and NCOs have taken their posts, the
Adjutant commands HUMANDA SA PAGSISIYASAT.
3) During the inspection, he selects the orderlies and color

sentinels and orders men who are not prepared for guard to fall out and return
to their organization. Substitutes for men who have fallen out report to the
commander of the guard at the guardhouse.The band plays during the
inspection.
j. Closing Ranks
1) After the inspection, the Commander of the Guard orders

the guard to close ranks and returns to his original post. If there is an
assistant commander of the guard, he orders the second platoon to close
ranks after it has been inspected. Then he returns to his post in front of the
second platoon.
2) The Adjutant takes his post 35 steps in front of, centered

on, and facing the guard.
3) The New Officer of the Day posts himself 36 steps to the

rear of the Adjutant.
4) The Old Officer of the Day posts himself three steps to

the right of the New Officer of the Day.
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Figure 5.9 Officers and Non-Commissioned officers taking their posts.
k. Sound Off
1) The Adjutant commands TANOD, HANDA; TIKAS

PAHINGA; IHUDYAT. Then he executes Tikas Pahinga. (The Commander of
the Guard and Assistant Commander of the Guard, shall not repeat any
preparatory commands given by the Adjutant at this time).
2) At the command IHUDYAT the band plays the sound off,

then moves forward playing. It passes to the left of the line between the
commanders of the guard, the Adjutant and then back to its post on the right
where it halts and plays the sound off again (Fig 5.10A, Fig 5.10B).
Figure 5.10a Sound Off (one Platoon).
3) While the band is sounding off, the Officers of the Day

stand at attention.
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l. Adjutant’s Report. The Adjutant commands TANGHAL, TA,

faces about toward the New Officer of the Day, salutes, and reports “Ang
Tanod Ay Nakahanay Na Po.”
Figure 5.10b Sound Off (two platoon).

m. Marching In Review
1) The New Officer of the Day returns the salute and directs
the Adjutant PASA MASID. The Adjutant faces about and commands BABA,
TA; HARAP SA KANAN. At the command RAP the guard executes the
movement. The band faces to the right, marches to a position where its rear
rank is approximately 24 steps in front of the leading platoon, and faces to the
leader of the first platoon who is the Commander of the Guard. The Sergeant
Major maintains his position behind the men in the left file when there is one
platoon (Fig 5.11A) and behind the rear left file of the second platoon when
there are two platoons (Fig 5.11B).
Figure 5.11a March in Review, One Platoon.
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Figure 5.11b March in Review, Two Platoons.

2) The Adjutant commands KANANG BALIKAT, TA;
PASULONG, KAD.
3) When the playing band and the guard march past the
Officer of the Day (Fig 5.11), the guide of the first platoon halts 24 steps
behind the band during the march in review.
4) When the Adjutant is six steps from the Officer of the day,
he commands HANDA, TINGIN SA KANAN, NA.
a) When there is only one platoon, the Officer of the

Guard, the Adjutant, and the Sergeant Major execute the Hand Salute on the
command NA and hold it until the Sergeant Major passes six steps beyond
the Officer of the Day. Then the Adjutant commands HANDA, RAP.
b) When there are two platoons (Fig 5.11B), the

Adjutant commands HANDA, TINGIN SA KANAN, NA, for the first platoon. He
commands HANDA, RAP to the first platoon when the last rank is six steps
beyond the officer of the day. The Assistant Commander of the Guards
commands HANDA, TINGIN SA KANAN, NA for the second platoon. He
commands HANDA, RAP, when the last rank of the platoon is six steps
beyond the Officer of the Day. The Adjutant and the Commander of the Guard
salute with the first platoon; the Assistant Commander of the Guard and the
Sergeant Major salutes with the second platoon.
5) While the guard is marching in review, the Officer of the

Day stands at Attention.
a) The New Officer of the Day returns the salutes of

the Adjutant and the Commander of the Guard. He salutes only once because
the adjutant and the Commander of the Guard salute together.
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b) When there are two platoons, the Officer of the

Day does not return the salute of the Commander of the Guard.
6) After the band passes the Officer of the Day, it turns out
of column to the left and positions itself in front of and facing the Officer of the
Day 18 steps from where the left flank of the guard passes. It continues to
play until the guard leaves the parade ground.
7) The Adjutant steps out of column and halts when he is 25

steps beyond the Officer of the Day. The Sergeant Major steps out of column
and halts abreast of the Adjutant and three steps to the left. The Adjutant and
Sergeant Major then face each other, salute, and leave.
8) The Commander of the Guard marches the guard to the

guardhouse without changing his position in the formation.
9) If the guard consists of two platoons, the commander of

the guard halts it and forms it into one platoon. The Assistant Commander of
the Guard marches behind the last man in the left file. The Assistant Sergeant
of the Guard marches in the rear of the right file.
10) The Officer of the Day face each other and salute. The
Old Officer of the Day gives his orders to the New Officer of the Day.
n. Formation of the New and Old Guard at the Guardhouse
1) The Old Guard is formed at the guardhouse as

prescribed in Fig 5.12A. If field music has been authorized, it forms three
steps to the right of the old guard. The field music of the new guard forms
three steps to the right of the new guard (Fig 5.12B).
2) Relieving the old guard at the guardhouse is in

accordance with of Informal Guard Mounting.
Section 5-3 Normal Guards Mounting
3. General. Guard mounting ceremony has been a tradition in military

organizations that formalize the relieving of the outgoing and the incoming
guards for the day. Proper accounting, punctuality and inspection of the
incoming and outgoing guards are observed to see to it that they are ready to
take and leave their post respectively.
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Figure 5.12a Formation of Guards.

4. Organization. The ceremony is composed of the following elements:
a. Outgoing Officer of the Day
b. Incoming Officer of the Day
c. Outgoing Commander of the Guard
d. Incoming Commander of the Guard
e. Assistant Commanders of the Guard
f. Outgoing Sergeant of the Guards.
g. Incoming Sergeant of the Guards
5. Formation. Initially, there are two platoons in line formation. The first
platoon consists of the incoming guards. The second platoon, the outgoing
guards. The second platoon forms three paces from the left flank of the first
platoon. At the right flank of each platoon are the Sergeants of the Guards
covering each other. The Assistant Commanders of the Guards position
themselves three paces to the front from the center of their respective
platoons. Commanders of the Guards form six paces to the front from the
center of their respective platoons. Six paces to the front from the center of
the Commanders of the Guards is the Outgoing Officer of the day, and three
paces to the front of the outgoing Officer of the day is the position of the
Incoming Officer of the day. (See illustration)
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6. Procedure
a. Before the Guard Mounting ceremony, the incoming guards

reports to their respective relieves for proper dissemination and instructions.
As soon as the incoming and outgoing guards are through, the Outgoing
Officer of the day calls for the guards to fall in. The command is: HUMANAY.
b. When the guards are in proper formation as prescribed in par

5.3-3, the Assistant Commanders of the Guards of each platoon face about to
account for their respective platoons. After which, they face about, execute
Hand Salute and report to their respective Commanders of the Guards,
“Pinuno, narito na po lahat” or “Pinuno, name of unaccounted guards, wala di
napag-alaman”. The Commanders of the Guards acknowledge the salute and
direct their assistants to take post, SUMALUNAN KA. The Assistant
Commanders of the Guards then position themselves behind the Sergeants of
the Guards of the last squads of each platoon, respectively. (See Illustration)
c. As soon as the Assistant Commanders of the Guards have

taken their posts, the Commanders of the Guards face about. The Incoming
Commander of the Guard executes Hand Salute and reports to the Officer of
the Day, “Pinuno, narito na po lahat” or “Pinuno, name of unaccounted
guards, wala di napag-alaman”. The Outgoing Officer of the Day
acknowledges the salute. After acknowledging the salute, the Outgoing
Commander of the Guard renders his report in the same way as the Incoming
Commander of the Guard did and will be acknowledged by the Outgoing
Officer of the day.
d. The Outgoing Officer of the Day directs the Commanders of the

Guards to prepare the platoons for inspection, HUMANDA SA
PAGSISIYASAT. After the command, the commanders of the guards face
about and bring the platoon to open ranks, PABUKANG TALUDTOD KAD.
The commanders of the guards proceed in front of the sergeant of the guard
of the first squad of each platoon respectively, face about and wait for the
inspecting officer.
e. The inspecting Officer then proceeds in front of the Commander

of the Guard (The inspecting Officer may be the Incoming or Outgoing Officer
of the Day. To minimize time, the Incoming and Outgoing Officer of the Day
may inspect each platoon at the same time). The Commander of the Guard
executes Hand Salute and reports, “Ginoo tanod pulutong, name of
commander of the guard namumuno, handa na po sa pagsisiyasat”. When
acknowledged, he comes to attention and prepare for inspection. After his
turn, he assists the inspecting officer in inspecting the platoon.
f. After the inspection, the inspecting Officer orders the

commanders of the guard to report all violations for appropriate action then
proceeds to his original position. The Commander of the Guard then brings
the platoon to close ranks, PASARANG TALUDTOD, KAD. After his
command, he precedes six paces at the center in front of his platoon.
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g. After the inspection, the Outgoing Officer of the Day commands,

ANG MGA PINUNO NG TANOD PUMAGITNA, KAD. After the preparatory
command, the Assistant Commander of the Guards and the Sergeants of the
Guards of the first and second platoon march four steps forward and after
which they face the center with the Commander of the Guard. At the
command of execution, they march to their respective positions at the center
and mark time. The Outgoing Commander of the Guard commands, MGA
PINUNO, TO. They shall quit marching and simultaneously face the Outgoing
Officer of the day.
h. The Outgoing Commander of the Guard then executes Hand

Salute and says, “Ginoo humihingi ng pahintulot para sa palitan”. The
Outgoing Officer of the day acknowledges the salute and commands:
MAGPALITAN.
i. As soon as the permission is granted, the Outgoing Officer of

the Guard commands: MGA PINUNO HARAP SA GITNA, RAP. The Incoming
and the Outgoing Assistant Commanders of the Guards, Sergeants of the
Guards and Commanders of the Guards then face the center. Then the
Outgoing Commander of the Guard commands: MGA PAPALITANG TANOD
PUGAY KAMAY, NA. The outgoing guards execute Hand Salute and report to
their respective relieves: “Ginoo ako ang dating position as guard handa na
po upang mapalitan”. The incoming guards challenge the outgoing guards if
they have disseminated all orders and instructions from competent authorities:
“Iyo bang naisalin ang lahat ng utos na nanggaling sa tamang katungkulan?”
The outgoing guards should answer the challenge, the answer is: “opo” for
yes and “hindi po” for no. (No relieving will take place if the answer is no) The
incoming guards acknowledge the salute and say: “Ikaw na ay papalitan”. The
Incoming Commander of the Guards commands: MGA PAPALIT NA TANOD
PUGAY KAMAY, NA. The incoming guards then execute Hand Salute and
say: “Ginoo ako ang papalit na position as guard handa na pong pumalit”. In
the same manner the outgoing guards challenge the incoming guards if they
have received the all orders and instructions coming from competent
authorities: “Iyo bang natanggap ang lahat ng utos na nanggaling sa tamang
katungkulan?” The incoming guards will answer “opo” if yes and “hindi po” if
no. (No relieving will take place if the answer is no). The outgoing guards
acknowledge the salute and say: “Ikaw na ay pumalit”. The Incoming
Commander of the Guard commands: MGA PINUNO NG TANOD PUGAY
KAMAY, NA. The guards then execute Hand salute and say: “Ginoo tapos na
po ang palitan”. The Outgoing Officer of the Day acknowledges the salute and
commands: SUMALUNAN. The Incoming Commander of the Guard then
brings the guards to their original positions: MGA PINUNO NG TANOD
SUMALUNAN, KAD. On the preparatory command, the incoming guards
execute Right Face and the outgoing guards execute Left Face. At the
command of execution, they march to their original positions. The
Commanders of the Guards mark time when they reach their positions. The
Incoming and Outgoing Assistant Commanders of the Guards and the
Sergeants of the Guards continue marching and mark time when they reach
the position one step to the right of the right flank of their respective platoons.
The Incoming Commander of the Guard commands: PINUNO, TO, RAP,
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KAD. At the command of execution TO, all guards quit marching, at the
command of execution RAP, the incoming guards execute Right Face while
the outgoing guards execute Left Face. At the command of execution KAD,
the incoming and outgoing guards except the Commanders of the Guards
march forward and proceed to their positions. As soon as the Incoming and
Outgoing Commanders of the Guard and Sergeants of the Guards reach their
positions they shall come to mark time. The Incoming Commander of the
Guard commands: MGA PINUNO, TO. At the command of execution, the
Commanders of the Guards, Assistant Commanders of the Guards and
Sergeants of the Guards quit marching and automatically execute About
Face.
j. As soon as the Commanders of the Guards, Assistant

Commanders of the Guards and Sergeants of the Guards are in proper
positions, the Outgoing Officer of the Day faces about, salutes the Incoming
Officer of the day and says: GINOO AKO ANG DATING position as guard
HANDA NA PO UPANG MAPALITAN The Incoming Officer of the Day
challenges the outgoing Officer of the day if he has disseminated all orders
and instructions from competent authorities: IYO BANG NAISALIN ANG
LAHAT NG UTOS NA NANGGALING SA TAMANG KATUNGKULAN? The
Outgoing Officer of the day should answer the challenge, the answer is: OPO
for yes and HINDI PO for no. (No relieving will take place if the answer is no)
The incoming Officer of the day acknowledges the salute and says: IKAW NA
AY PAPALITAN. The Incoming Officer of the day then executes Hand Salute
and says: GINOO AKO ANG PAPALIT NA position as guard HANDA NA
PONG PUMALIT. In the same manner, the Outgoing Officer of the day
challenges the incoming Officer of the day if he has received all orders and
instructions coming from competent authorities: IYO BANG NATANGGAP
ANG LAHAT NG UTOS NA NANGGALING SA TAMANG KATUNGKULAN?
The Incoming Officer of the day answers OPO if yes and HINDI PO if no. (No
relieving will take place if the answer is no). The Outgoing Officer of the day
acknowledges the salute and says: IKAW NA AY PUMALIT.
k. The Outgoing Officer of the day executes about face and falls
out from the formation. At the same time, the Incoming Officer of the Day
takes the position of the Outgoing Officer of the Day. At this point the New
Officer of the day may give some announcements, after which, he shall direct
the Commanders of the Guards to take charge of their platoons and proceed
to their respective duties.
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OUTGOING OFFICER OF THE DAY
INCOMING OFFICER OF THE DAY
OUTGOING COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
INCOMING COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
OUTGOING ASSISTANT COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
INCOMING ASSISTANT COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
OUTGOING SERGEANT OF THE GUARD
INCOMING SERGEANT OF THE GUARD
Figure 5.13 Legends.
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3 PACES
6 PACES
3
3 PACES PACES
6 PACES
6 PACES
Figure 5.14 Illustration.
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CHAPTER 6
CHANGE OF COMMAND
1. General Information
a. A change of command is a ceremony held for the relinquishment

and assumption of a command.
b. For a change of command of a major AFP service command

(Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force), either the Secretary
of National Defense or the AFP Chief of Staff shall be invited as the presiding
officer. However, in their absence, any military officer or civilian VIP duly
designated shall act in their behalf.
c. The change of command of a major service command unit is

normally attended by its commanding general or his duly designated
representative as Presiding Officer. On the other hand, that of a subordinate
unit is attended by the commanding general or representative of the next
higher unit.
d. Invited personalities entitled to arrival/departure honors shall

receive appropriate honors.
a. Change of Command (Indoor)
1) Processional
2) Entry of Official Party
3) Entry of Colors
4) National Anthem
5) Invocation
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6) Presentation of Award
7) Reading of Relief/Designation Orders
8) Remarks/Relinquishment of Command (Outgoing)
9) Assumption of Command (Incoming)
10) Turnover of Command Symbol
11) Remarks and Introduction of the Presiding Officer (New

Commander)
12) Inspirational Talk (Presiding Officer)
13) Mass Singing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” or Unit’s Song
14) Exit of Colors
15) Exit of Official Party
16) Recessional
b. Change of Command in a Review
1) Entry and Formation of Troops
2) Presentation and Honors
3) Inspection
4) Presentation of Awards

Commander)
11) March-in-Review
c. Change of Command With a Review
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1) Entry and Formation of Troops
2) Presentation and Honors
3) Inspection
4) March-in-Review
5) Mass Formation (in front of the grandstand)
6) Presentation of Awards

Commander)
3. Change of Command Proper
a. The EMCEE announces, “We now begin the change of

command ceremony”.
b. b. The Adjutant proceeds to the left podium and reads the

relief and designation orders.
c. c. The Outgoing Commander proceeds to the right podium

to make his remarks. He gives the troops TIKAS PAHINGA after the troop
commander (TC) faces about.
d. d. At the end of his remarks, the Outgoing Commander shall

say, “I will now read my relinquishment orders", then pauses for a few
seconds. (At this point, the TC and his staff execute attention.) The TC faces
the troop and commands MGA TALUPAD as soon as the troops are at
attention. The Outgoing Commander reads his relinquishment orders and
signs, then says, "I am ready to be relieved.” He stays where he is.
e. e. The Outgoing Commander proceeds to the left podium

and reads the orders for his assumption of office and signs. He pauses for a
few seconds, then says, “I am ready to relieve you, sir.”
f. f. The Outgoing Commander and the Incoming Commander

face each other. Both commanders proceed to the center of the grandstand,
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halt and face the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer stands and takes the
center position in front of the two commanders.
g. The Outgoing Commander salutes the Presiding Officer saying,

“Sir, I have relinquished the command of Effective this date.”
h. The Presiding Officer acknowledges the salute and says,

“Congratulations and well done.” They shake hands.
i. The Incoming Commander salutes and says “Sir, I have

assumed the command of effective this date.
j. The Presiding Officer acknowledges the salute, then

congratulates him, saying, “Congratulations, take your post.”
k. At this point, the Sergeant Major/Senior Command Chief of

Petty Officer moves forward with the office command symbol and hands it
over to the Outgoing Commander. After handing over the command symbol,
the Sergeant Major moves to the other side near the Incoming Commander.
l. The Outgoing Commander passes on the command symbol to

the Presiding Officer.
m. The Presiding Officer receives the command symbol and passes

it on to the Incoming Commander.
n. The Incoming Commander receives it and gives it back to the

Sergeant Major/Senior Command Chief Petty Officer.
o. The Sergeant Major/Senior Command Chief Petty Officer moves

forward, takes hold of the command symbol then exits.
p. The New Commander and the Former commander face each

other. The New Commander salutes the Former Commander. The latter
acknowledges the salute. (At this point, the audience may give a round of
applause).
q. The Presiding Officer and the Former Commander take their

seats, with the Former Commander taking the seat of the New Commander.
The New Commander goes to the right podium and delivers his speech. (He
may direct the troops to TIKAS PAHINGA). The New Commander ends his
speech with the statement “…………All orders and instructions shall remain
undisturbed until they are rescinded or amended”. He pauses. (The troop
commander commands HUMANDA.)
r. The Commander introduces the Presiding Officer
s. The Presiding Officer delivers his remarks. (He may order the
troops to TIKAS PAHINGA.)
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t. After the remarks, the band plays recessional pieces. The

ceremony ends.
Figure 6.1 Change of Command with a Review.
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CHAPTER 7
FLAG RAISING / RETREAT AND REVEILLE CEREMONIES
1. Flag Raising. Flag raising is a ceremony in which the unit honors the
Philippine flag when it is raised every Monday morning. The ceremony is
conducted at the direction of the unit commander. The commander sets the
time for the flag raising. All members of the unit to include civilian employees
shall be present during the conduct of the ceremony.
a. Sequence of events
1) Formation of Troops. Thirty minutes before the scheduled

flag raising time, the units with the Troop Commander (TC) are formed in line
formation at parade rest.
2) Formation of troops
a) Start of Ceremony. The Reviewing Officer (RO)

shall announce “HUMANDA SA PAGPUPUGAY SA WATAWAT”. The Troop
Commander (TC) faces about and commands the troops: “HUMANDA SA
PAGPUPUGAY SA WATAWAT”.
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b) Humanda sa pagpupugay sa watawat
(1) The band plays ATTENTION CALL. The

TC commands: “TALUPAD, DA”, then faces about.
(2) The band plays DRUM ROLLS.
(3) Color details with flag and marches toward

their designated position.
(4) The band stops playing as soon as the

National Flag is hooked into the riser of the flagpole or as soon as the color
details have reached their position if carrying the Colors in staff. The siren will
be sounded for thirty seconds.
(5) As the siren fades out, the TC faces about

and commands: “TANGHAL, TA”. After the troops have executed present
arms, he faces about and commands: “KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO AT
KAWAL, PUGAY KAMAY, NA”.
(6) The band plays TO THE COLOR after the

TC and his staffs have executed present arms (hand salute). The National
Flag is raised simultaneously.
(7) The TC and his staff execute order arms

after the playing of TO THE COLOR. The TC commands: “KALUPUNAN,
MGA PINUNO AT KAWAL, BABA KAMAY, NA”
(8) The TC faces about and commands:

“BABA, TA”. He then faces about again.
(9) Mass singing of National Anthem follows,

led by a designated member of the unit saying: “AWITIN PO NATIN ANG
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PAMBANSANG AWIT NG PILIPINAS”. All civilian employees shall place

their right palm on their left breast.
(10) After the mass singing of the National

Anthem, the Chaplain proceeds to the lectern for the invocation. Solemn
accompaniment (preferably flute) may be played during the invocation.
(11) After the invocation, the Sergeant Major

proceeds to the lectern. The TC faces about and commands the troops:
“TAAS KANANG KAMAY, NA”, faces about and orders his staff with his
command: “KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO AT KAWAL, TAAS KANANG
KAMAY, NA”.
(12) The Sergeant Major announces

MANGYARING SUMUNOD SA AKING BIBIGKASIN PARA SA
PANUNUMPA NG KATAPATAN SA WATAWAT. After the Panunumpa, the
TC commands: “KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO AT KAWAL, BABA KAMAY,
NA”, faces about and commands the troops: “BABA KAMAY, NA”, then
faces about. Any announcement/speech shall be done after the
PANUNUMPA.
(13) A designated member of the unit

announces the mass singing of PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL and everybody
sings the song with the accompaniment of the band or a lead singer.
NOTE: Other officers, EPs and civilian employees will take cue from the
command of the TC: “KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO AT KAWAL . . ..”
3) Pass-in-Review
a) The TC salutes and reports to the RO that the

troops are ready for Pass-in-Review: “GINOO, HANDA NA PO ANG MGA
TALUPAD PARA SA PASA MASID”.
b) The RO acknowledges and directs the TC to Pass-

in-review: “PASA-MASID”.
c) The TC faces about and directs his staff:

“KALUPUNAN, SUMALIKOD KO, KAD” then directs: “PASA-MASID”. The
Battalion Commanders (BCs) face about and command simultaneously their
respective staff: “KALUPUNAN SUMALIKOD KO, KAD”. Then the first BC
commands: “HARAP SA KANAN, RAP”, followed by the second BC. The
same procedure as in pass-in-review of parade follows.
d) After the last element has passed (usually the

band), the TC and staff march to the center. The TC then reports to the RO:
“GINOO, TAPOS NA PO ANG PAGPUGAY SA WATAWAT”.
e) The TC faces about and commands: “MGA

PINUNO, KAWAL AT KAWANI, LUMANSAG”, then dismisses his staff.
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2. Flag Retreat
a. General. The term “Retreat” is taken from the French word

“Retraite” and refers to evening ceremony. The sounding of the bugle at
retreat is first used in the French Army and dates back to the Crusades.
Retreat is sounded at sunset to notify sentries to start challenging until sunrise
and to tell the rank and file to go to their quarters. Retreat is a ceremony in
which the unit honors the flag when it is lowered in the evening. To the Color
is being used as music honoring the flag as it is lowered in the evening.
b. Sequence of Events
1) Formation of Troops. Thirty minutes before the scheduled

flag retreat time, the units with the Troop Commander (TC) are formed in line
formation at parade rest.
2) Start of Ceremony
a) The RO announces HUMANDA SA PAGSILONG

NG WATAWAT. The TC directs his staff to attention: “KALUPUNAN, MGA
PINUNO AT KAWAL, HUMANDA”, faces about and commands the troops:
“MGA TALUPAD, DA”, then faces about.
b) The Sergeant Major proceeds to the lectern and

leads the PANUNTUNANG PANSARILI NG KAWAL PILIPINO. The TC
faces about and commands the troops: “TAAS KANANG KAMAY, NA”. He
then faces about and orders his staff: “KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO AT
KAWAL, TAAS KANANG KAMAY, NA”.
c) After the PANUNTUNANG PANSARILI NG

KAWAL PILIPINO, the TC orders his staff: “KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO
AT KAWAL, BABA KANANG KAMAY, NA”, faces about and commands the
troops: “BABA KANANG KAMAY, NA”, “TIKAS, NGA OR TIKAS NA”.
Retreat is sounded at this time. After the retreat, the siren is sounded.
d) As the siren fades out, the TC orders his staff:

“KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO AT KAWAL, HUMANDA”, faces about and
commands the troops: “TALUPAD, DA”, “TANGHAL, TA”. The TC then
faces about and executes present arms with his staff: “KALUPUNAN, MGA
PINUNO AT KAWAL, PUGAY KAMAY, NA”.
e) The band begins to play TO THE COLORS. Gun

fires one (1) salvo at the first note of TO THE COLORS.
f) At the last note of TO THE COLORS, the TC

executes with his staff: “KALUPUNAN, MGA PINUNO AT KAWAL, BABA
KAMAY, NA”, faces about and commands the troops: “BABA, TA”, then
faces about.
3) Pass-in-Review
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a) The TC salutes and reports to the RO that the

troops are ready for Pass-in-Review: “GINOO, HANDA NA PO ANG MGA
TALUPAD PARA SA PASA MASID”.
b) The RO acknowledges and directs the TC to Pass-

in-review: “PASA-MASID”.
c) The TC faces about and directs his staff:

“KALUPUNAN, SUMALIKOD KO, KAD” then directs: “PASA-MASID”. The
Battalion Commanders (BCs) face about and command simultaneously their
respective staff: “KALUPUNAN SUMALIKOD KO, KAD”. Then the first BC
commands: “HARAP SA KANAN, RAP”, followed by the second BC. The
same procedure as in pass-in-review of parade follows.
d) After the last element has passed (usually the

band), the TC and staff march to the center. The TC then reports to the RO:
“GINOO, TAPOS NA PO ANG PAGSILONG NG WATAWAT”.
e) The TC faces about and commands: “MGA

PINUNO, KAWAL AT KAWANI, LUMANSAG”, then dismisses his staff.
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CHAPTER 8
WELCOME CEREMONY AND SEND OFF CEREMONY FOR UNITS (UNIT
HONORS)
1. Arrival Ceremony Procedure
a. Formation. After the March music, the UC brings back his troops
to attention. Initially, the unit is formed en masse near the stage or the
grandstand.
b. Arrival of the Keynote Speaker. (As soon as the CSAFP or

Major Service Commanders together with the GOH arrive).
EMCEE:“ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF THE GUEST HONOR”.
EMCEE:“CSAFP OR MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDERS, DUMATING”.
Appropriate number of side boys renders honors for the GOH as he goes up
the stage).
c. In case the AFP contingent is not yet in front of the stage arrival
of AFP contingent. As soon as the GOH and CSAFP or Major Service
Commanders are seated at the stage, the AFP Contingent marches from
naval ship / aircraft / ground vehicle in proper formation and proceed in front
of the stage upon signal in their designated position. EMCEE:“ANNOUNCING
THE ARRIVAL OF AFP CONTINGENT” Band plays appropriate music.
Placing of lie to the Commander and Staff and to other Officers takes place as
soon as the Contingent is formed. Then, the UC brings his troops to present
arms and presents his troops to the Major Service Commander.
d. In case the AFP contingent is already in front of the stage. When

the Major Service Commander or his designated representative arrives at the
grandstand, the unit commander (UC) brings his troops to attention. When the
Major Service Commander or his representative has taken his eat, the UC
brings his troops to present arms and presents his troops to the Major Service
Commander. The latter acknowledges the presentation and immediately, the
band plays appropriate march music. (Everybody in the grandstand should
likewise stand).
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e. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM. EMCEE: “PLEASE REMAIN

STANDING FOR THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM”.
f. INVOCATION.(Once the arriving party has taken their

appropriate position), EMCEE:“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE RISE
FOR THE INVOCATION” The chaplain then delivers the invocation.
(Everybody takes seat after the invocation).
g. REPORT OF THE HAND-OVER PARTY. EMCEE:“LET US

NOW HEAR THE REPORT OF THE HAND-OVER PARTY". Head of the
Hand-Over party goes to the stage, uses the microphone at the right side of
the stage and renders the report.
h. ACCOMPLISMENT REPORT OF THE AFP CONTINGENT.

EMCEE:“LET US NOW HEAR THE REPORT OF THE AFP CONTINGENT”.
AFP Commander goes to the right side of the stage and renders his report.
i. WELCOME HANDSHAKE. EMCEE: “THE WELCOME

HANDSHAKE TO THE TROOPS WILL BE RENDERED BY THE GUEST OF
HONOR”. The GOH, escorted by the CSAFP or Major Service Commanders,
goes down the stage and shake hands with officers and men of the different
contingents who have just arrived to convey his personal arrival message.
The Band plays appropriate music while the GOH is welcoming the troops.
j. REMARKS AND INTRODUCTION OF THE KEYNOTE Speaker:

EMCEE: "THE CSAFP OR MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDER WILL GIVE HIS
REMARKS AND SUBSEQUENTLY INTRODUCE THE KEYNOTE
SPEAKER”.
k. The CSAFP or Major Service Commander renders his remarks.

EMCEE:THE CSAFP OR MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDER WILL NOW
INTRODUCE THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER”
l. The GOH delivers his speech
m. DEPENDENTS’ TIME. (As soon as the GOH has finished

delivering his speech). EMCEE: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THAT ENDS
OUR CEREMONY. THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TODAY”. The
dependents may now approach their loved ones who have just arrived. IN
CASE THERE IS AN AWARDING If there is an awarding, the following
procedures shall be done: The UC commands MGA WATAWAT AT MGA
TAONG PARARANGALAN, PUMAGITNA, KAD. The unit staff executes right
face and at the last note of the command of execution KAD, marches forward
and halts after a considerable distance, allowing space for the colors.
Awardees come forward. The Major Service Commander joins the colors; the
most senior unit staff member commands HARAP SA KALIWA, RAP, then
PASULONG to position themselves behind the colors. When the colors and
awardees are already in their proper position, the UC salutes and reports to
the Major Service Commander, “Nandito na po ang mga watawat at ang mga
taong pararangalan”. After being acknowledged, he executes order arms,
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faces about, then joins his staff at the back of the colors taking the most direct
route. Thereafter, he commands TANGHAL, TA for the troops. When the
troops are at present arms, the UC faces about and commands TANGHAL,
TA for his staff, colors and awardees. The Band then plays the National
Anthem, after which the UC commands BABA, TA. If the UC is an awardee he
takes his proper position with the other awardees. The Guest of Honor (GOH)
and the Major Service Commander go down the grandstand for the awarding
ceremony. The citations of the awards are read before they are presented to
the awardees. After the presentation of awards, the GOH goes back to the
grandstand while the colors and awardees return to their former positions. At
this point, the spouses/parents proceed toward the troops to present leis to
the officers and enlisted men of the unit. They return to their respective seats
after presenting the leis.
n. SPEECHES. The Major Service Commander introduces the

GOH for the welcome remarks. If previously ordered to bring his unit to
Parade Rest, the UC brings his unit to attention after the speech of the GOH.
Recess follows.
2. Send-Off Ceremony Procedure
a. ARRIVAL OF THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER. (As soon as the

CSAFP OR MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDERS together with the GOH arrive)
EMCEE: "ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF THE GUEST HONOR". (In
case of the PA, troops are also in formation the ground vehicles behind them.)
EMCEE: " CSAFP OR MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDERS, DUMATING
(Once the GOH has taken his place at the stage)
b. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM: EMCEE: "LADIES AND

GENTLEMEN, PLEASE RISE FOR THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM".
c. INVOCATION. EMCEE: "PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR

THE INVOCATION".(Band will provide music)
d. SEND-OFF PROPER. EMCEE: "LET US NOW WITNESS

THE SEND-OFF CEREMONY FOR THE SHIPS/AIRCRAFT/GROUND
VEHICLES THAT WILL BE DEPARTING TODAY FOR
TRANSPORT/SEALIFT/AIRLIFT MISSION OF AFP PERSONNEL TO. "(After
this announcement, Head of Mission faces about to receive the reports of the
different Contingent Commanders. Starting with the Commander, AFP
Contingent Commanders render individual reports of their completeness)
e. HEAD OF MISSION: "MAG-ULAT". COMMANDERS:

"GINOO, MGA PINUNO AT TAUHAN NG (_______________
HEADQUARTERS, AFP UNIT), NARITO PO'NG LAHAT, NAPAG-
ALAMAN".(As soon as the Contingent Commanders have rendered their
reports, the Head of Mission faces about and report to the GOH)HEAD OF
MISSION:“GINOO, MGA PINUNO AT TAUHAN NG MGA CONTINGENTS
NA PAALIS, NARITO PO’NG LAHAT NAPAG-ALAMAN”.
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f. The GOH acknowledges
g. INSPECTION OF TROOPS. EMCEE: "THE INSPECTION OF

TROOPS TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE GUEST OF HONOR". (The GOH,
escorted by the CSAFP OR Major Service Commanders, goes down stage
and shakes hands with departing Officers and men of the different contingents
to convey his personal send-off message. The Band plays an appropriate
music while the GOH is inspecting the troops).
h. REMARKS AND INTRODUCTION OF THE KEYNOTE

SPEAKER. EMCEE: "THE __________ WILL GIVE HIS REMARKS
AND SUBSEQUENTLY INTRODUCE THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER."(The
CSAFP OR Major Service Commanders renders his remark). EMCEE: THE
CSAFP OR MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDER WILL NOW INTRODUCE THE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER."(The GOH will deliver his speech.)
i. READINESS REPORT. (After the speech of the Keynote

Speaker)
j. ENDING OF THE CEREMONY. EMCEE: "LADIES AND

GENTLEMEN, THAT ENDS OUR CEREMONY. THANK YOU FOR BEING
WITH US TODAY. GOOD DAY AND MAY GOD BLESS US ALL."
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CHAPTER 9
ACTIVATION/DE-ACTIVATION OF UNITS
Section 9-1 Activation
1. Sequence of Activities. The following are the procedures/sequences

in the activation of units:
a. Arrival of the Guest of Honor/Speaker (GOH). The elements of

the units to be activated are formed en masse in front of the Grandstand or
ceremonial venue and are initially at parade rest. The band (if available) is
likewise repositioned at the vicinity of the ceremonial venue. As soon as the
party of the Guest of Honor / Speaker arrives, the designated Troop
Commander (TC) calls the troops to attention. He commands, TALUPAD, DA
or as appropriate.
b. Singing of National Anthem. When all the guests are seated.

The designated emcee announces, “PLEASE STAND FOR THE PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL ANTHEM”. The TC directs to the troops to execute present arms.
He commands, TANGHAL, TA. The band then plays the National Anthem.
After the band finishes playing of the National Anthem, the TC commands
the troops to execute order arms. He commands, BABA, TA.The emcee then
announces, “PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE INVOCATION.”
c. Invocation. The Chaplain approaches the rostrum and delivers

the invocation. When the invocation is finished, the Chaplain exits and
proceeds to his seat.
d. Reading of the Unit Activation Order. After everybody is seated,

the emcee announces. “THE ACTIVATION ORDER OF (Name of Unit) WILL
NOW BE READ BY THE ADJUTANT GENERAL (or designated person).”The
Adjutant proceeds to the rostrum and reads the unit activation order. After
reading the order, the adjutant returns to his seat.
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e. Unfurling of the Unit Color. After the reading of orders the

emcee announces. “We will now witness the unfurling of the unit color by the
GOH to be attested by the host. “The GOH and the Host stand, while a color
bearer escorted by a designated Sergeant Major of the activated unit
approaches them with the case unit color. The color bearer then lowers the
color in front of the GOH and Host. The GOH and Host untie and remove the
case of the color. Upon removal of the case, the color bearer slowly unfurls
the color. At this point the band plays appropriate background music or the
unit hymn. (No part of the color should be allowed to touch the ground.) The
unit Sergeant Major then hands over the unfurled color to the Host who in turn
gives it to the GOH.The Adjutant proceeds to the rostrum and reads the
appointment orders of the incoming Commander of the activated unit. After
reading the appointment orders, the adjutant exits and the emcee announces.
“THE INCOMING COMMANDER OF (Name of Unit) WILL NOW RECEIVE
THE COLOR. “The incoming unit commander proceeds in front of the GOH
and Host and salutes. The GOH hands over the unit color to the incoming
Commander who then gives it to the Sgt Major and color bearer to be placed
in a repositioned flag stand. The GOH and Host then proceed to their
respective seats.
f. Assumption of Command. As soon as the GOH and Host are

seated, the emcee announces. “THE INCOMING COMMANDER OF
__________ WILL NOW READ HIS ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND.” The
Commander proceeds to the rostrum and reads the order. He says “Pursuant
to General Orders Number ________ Headquarters Dated __________, I
hereby assume command of the newly activated (Name of Unit) effective this
date. I sign in your presence. “After signing the document, the newly
designated Commander delivers his remarks. Then, he introduces the GOH.
g. Speech of the GOH. The Guest of Honor/Speaker delivers his

speech after the introduction.
h. Conclusion. After the speech of the GOH, the emcee announces

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THAT CONCLUDES OUR ACTIVITIES. THANK
YOU VERY MUCH. The TC then marches off the troops and dismisses them
in a designated area.
Section 9-2 De-activation of Units
2. Sequence of Activities. The following are the procedures/sequences

in the de-activation of units:
a. Arrival of the Guest of Honor/Speaker (GOH).
1) The elements of the units to be de-activated are formed

en mass in front of the grandstand or the ceremonial venue and are initially
at parade rest. The band (if available) is likewise pre-positioned at the
vicinity of the ceremonial venue.
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2) As soon as the party of the Guest of Honor/Speakers

arrives, the designated Troop Commander (TC) calls the troops to attention.
He commands, TALUPAD, DA or as appropriate.
b. Singing of National anthem
1) When everybody has settled down or is already seated.

The designated emcee announces. “PLEASE STAND FOR THE PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL ANTHEM”.
2) The TC directs the troops to execute present arms. He

commands, TANGHAL, TA. The band then plays the National Anthem.
3) When the band finishes playing the National Anthem,

the TC commands the troops to execute order arms. He commands, BABA,
TA.
4) The emcee then announces, “PLEASE REMAIN

STANDING FOR THE INVOCATION.”
c. Invocation. The Chaplain approaches the rostrum and delivers

the invocation. When the invocation is finished, the Chaplain exits and
proceeds to his seat. The emcee announces, “THANK YOU.”
d. Reading of the Unit De-activation Order
1) After everybody is seated, the emcee announces, “THE

DE-ACTIVATION ORDER OF (Name of Unit) WILL NOW BE READ BY THE
ADJUTANT GENERAL (or designated person).”
2) The Adjutant proceeds to the rostrum and reads the

order. He says, “PURSUANT TO GENERAL ORDER NUMBER,
HEADQUARTERS DATED, (Name of Unit) IS HEREBY DE-
ACTIVATED EFFECTIVE THIS DATE.” After reading the de-activation order,
the adjutant returns to his seat.
e. Hauling down/Encasing of the Unit Color
1) The emcee announces, “WE WILL NOW WITNESS THE

HAULING DOWN AND ENCASING OF THE (Unit) COLOR BY THE GOH TO
BE ASSISTED BY THE HOST.”
2) The GOH and the Host stands. A color bearer escorted

by a designated Sgt Major of the de-activated unit approaches them with the
unfurled unit color. The color bearer then lowers the color and slowly furls it in
front of the GOH and Host (while the band plays Auld Lang Syne or
appropriate music). The GOH covers/encases the colors. The encased color
is handed by the Sergeant Major to the Host who then gives it to the GOH.
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3) The incumbent Commander then approaches the rostrum

and delivers his remarks then introduce the GOH.
f. Speech of the GOH. The Guest of Honor/Speaker delivers his

speech.
g. Conclusion
1) After the speech of the GOH, the emcee announces,

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THAT CONCLUDES OUR
ACTIVITIES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.”
2) The TC then marches off the troops and dismisses them

in a designated area.
NOTE: If former commanders of the de-activated unit are present

during the ceremony; the cased unit color should be passed on to them in
succession then return to the incumbent Commander before it is given to the
GOH. Normally, the GOH is the commander of the unit that issues the de-
activation order.
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CHAPTER 10
FUNERAL HONORS AND SERVICES
1. General. The practice of giving final tribute and honors to a dearly

departed has evolved over the years from a simple ceremony to elaborate
and colorful rites to make the occasion more meaningful in perpetuation of the
memory of the dead. The funeral rites of soldiers, more than any other
ceremony, have followed an old pattern as the living honor to the brave dead.
2. Persons entitled to Funeral Honors and Services
a. Veterans of Previous Wars and Recognized Guerillas
b. Veterans of Expeditionary Forces
c. Active and Retired Military Personnel
d. Honorably Separated Military Personnel
e. Government Officials and VIPS as directed by the SND and the

President
f. Reserved officers in the inactive status
g. Person who served in the Philippine Constabulary when still part

of the AFP.
3. Types of Funerals. Chapel service, followed by a movement of the

grave or place of local disposition with the prescribed funeral honors.
Graveside honors.
a. Military funeral honors consists of the following elements:
1) Band
2) Escort appropriate to the deceased
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3) Colors
4) Clergy
5) Firing party with drum and bugle
6) Hearse (caisson) and active pallbearers
7) Honorary pallbearers
8) Personal color (if appropriate)
b. Upon request, chaplains may conduct or arrange for appropriate

burial service for interment of members of the military service, active and
retired, and for members of their families. The family of the deceased (or their
representative) may however, requests some other clergyman to officiate in
lieu of military chaplain. A civilian clergyman can conduct all religious
elements of a military funeral or interment. Although the desires of the family
are to be given the fullest consideration possible in the selection of elements
involved. The funeral, however, should be conducted as prescribed in the
manual.
c. The commanding officer of the deceased or his representative,

in coordination with the cemetery superintendent and the funeral director,
makes the funeral arrangements and supervises the conduct of the funeral.
d. When honorary pallbearers are desired, the family of the

deceased or their representative selects them, or when they so desired, by
the commanding officer. As a rule, no more then twelve (12) honorary
pallbearers should be selected.
e. At a military funeral, persons in military uniform attending in their

individual capacity must face the casket and execute the hand salute at the
following times: when honors, if any, are sounded; at any time when the
casket is being moved (the exception being when they themselves are
moving); during cannon salutes, if sounded; during the firing of volleys; and
while TAPS is being played.
f. During the religious graveside service, all personnel bow their

heads at the words “Let us Pray”. All mourners at graveside except the active
pallbearers follow the example of the officiating chaplain. If he uncovers, they
uncover; if he remains covered, they remain covered. But when the officiating
chaplain wears a biretta (clerical headpieces) during the graveside service, all
personnel, as indicted above, must uncover.
g. The remains of a member of the armed forces, who die while on

active duty, may be consigned directly to a national cemetery from a military
installation. In such cases, the cemetery superintendent will, regardless of the
time of arrival, (if not otherwise provided for) engage a funeral director to
receive the remains at the common carrier terminal hold the remains at his
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establishment until the date of the funeral, if necessary and deliver the
remains to the cemetery. The superintendent is not authorized to allow the
funeral director to render any other service incident to the interment.
a. Funeral Service – include escort, band, colors, clergy, caisson

and/or funeral car, caparisoned horse, pallbearers and chapel services.
b. Graveside Services – include the clergy, pallbearers, firing party

and buglers.
c. Vigil Guards – the sentries posted to keep watch on the blear

when remains of a deceased are lying in state.
d. Interment Flag – The interment flag is used to cover the casket

of the deceased. The white part with the sun and stars shall cover the head
of the casket, the blue portion to the right and the red part to the left end of the
deceased with both colors evenly divided on each side of the casket. The flag
must not touch the ground when lowered to the grave. No wreath of flowers
should be placed on top of the flag-shrouded casket. Nonetheless, a small
cross of flowers may be placed over the flag as a symbol of “God above the
country”.
e. Escort and Transportation – This shall be provided by unit

commanders upon request of heirs or nearest relatives of the deceased.
f. Burial expenses – Reimbursement of burial expenses is

authorized pursuant (Handbook on Benefits and Privileges of AFP Military
Personnel and their Dependents, Rev. Ed. 2001 p. 32)
g. Interment at Libingan Ng Mga Bayani – For those who may be

entitled to Interment at Libingan Ng Mga Bayani (Handbook on Benefits and
Privileges of AFP Military Personnel and their Dependents, Rev. Ed. 2001
p.34)
h. Lie-in-state at AFP Chapel – Before the actual funeral, a

deceased may lie-in-state at any AFP chapel provided such service does not
interfere the regular scheduled church services of said chapel. However, it
shall be the AFP chaplain directly in-charge of the chapel that shall make the
necessary arrangement for deceased personnel authorized to lie-in-state AFP
chapel.
i. Chapel - means the church, home, or any other place where
services are held, other than the service at the grave.
j. Casket - is interpreted to include a receptacle containing the

remains of the deceased.
5. Funeral with Chapel Service
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a. Before the beginning of the service, the funeral escort is formed

in line facing the chapel. The band forms on the flank toward where it will be
marched.
b. Members of the immediate family, relatives, and friends of the

deceased are requested to enter the chapel and be seated before the casket
is taken in. Members of the immediate family and relatives occupy pews
(seats) to the right (front) of the chapel.
c. The hearse bearing the remains to the chapel should arrive in

front of the chapel a few moments before the time set for the service. As the
hearse approaches, the escort commander commands MGA TANOD, DA
until the hearse stops in front of the chapel. When the casket is repositioned
already with his / her immediate dependents and pallbearers, the escort
commander brings his troops to TANGHAL TA. As the escort commander
executes present arms, the band renders the honors, and if appropriate,
followed by a hymn. At the first note of the hymn, the casket is moved from
the hearse by the active pallbearers and carried between the ranks of
honorary pallbearers, if any, into the chapel. The remains are handled in a
dignified, reverent, and military manner, ensuring that the casket is carried
level and feet first at all times. As soon as the casket enters the chapel, the
band ceases to play, and the escort commander commands the troops to
BABA TA and TIKAS PAHINGA.
d. When honorary pallbearers are present, they are formed in two

ranks each one facing the other, in order of seniority, with the most senior
being the closest to the hearse, thus forming an aisle from the hearse to the
entrance of the chapel. At the first note of the music and while the casket is
being borne between the ranks of honorary pallbearers, they uncover or
salute. They then follow the casket in column of twos and occupy pews
(seats) to the left front of the chapel.
e. e. When the casket has been placed on the church truck,

two active pallbearers push the truck to the front of the church while the other
active pallbearers move to the vestibule and await the termination of the
church service. If there is no such truck the active pallbearers carry the casket
to the front of the church as instructed by the chaplain before the service.
When no honorary pallbearers are used and if the active pallbearers are
selected friends of the family, they may, if desired by the family, occupy the
pews (seats) to the left front of the chapel.
f. After the chapel service, the honorary pallbearers (if present)

precede the casket in column of twos as the two active pallbearers push the
church truck to the entrance of the chapel. The honorary pallbearers again
form an aisle from the entrance of the chapel to the hearse with the most
senior closest to the chapel. They uncover or salute as prescribed. When the
casket has been placed in the hearse, the honorary pallbearers enter their
vehicles. When marching, the honorary pallbearers form columns on each
side of the hearse, the leading member of each column opposite the front
wheels of the hearse.
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g. The casket, followed by the family group, is moved to the

entrance immediately behind the honorary pallbearers. As soon as the
honorary pallbearers have taken their position, the active pallbearers carry the
casket to the hearse and form a column of two behind it (if the honorary
pallbearers march). If the honorary pallbearers do not march, the active
pallbearers form files on each side of the hearse, the leading member of each
column opposite the front wheels of the hearse. The family group remains at
the chapel entrance until the honorary pallbearers have broken ranks to enter
their vehicle or have taken their positions for marching. The members of the
family group then are guided to their vehicles.
h. When the casket appears at the entrance of the chapel at the

conclusion of the service, the funeral escort and band repeat the procedure as
prescribed for entering the chapel. When the casket has been secured into
the hearse, the band ceases playing and the escort is brought to the order.
i. The procession is then formed in the following order.
1) Escort Commander (with Ex-0 and Guidon Bearer as

appropriate)
2) Colors
3) Band
4) Funeral elements
5) Honorary pallbearers (if riding in cars)
6) Clergy
7) Caisson or hearse, and honorary pallbearer (if walking)
8) Active pallbearers
9) Personal colors (if appropriate)
10) Family
11) Friends and patriotic or fraternal organization
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Figure 10.1 Funeral Procession
NOTE: The firing party, drummer and bugler will be pre-positioned at

graveside if they are not part of the escort.
a. When the procession has been formed, the escort commander

commands PASULONG, KAD to the band and escorts the elements in the
rear column. The procession marches slowly to solemn music (cadence of
100 beats per minute). When there is considerable distance from the chapel
to the grave, the escort, after leaving the vicinity of the chapel, may march in
quick time. The band plays appropriate music throughout the march. Care
must be exercised to avoid disturbing other funeral processions or service that
may be passed on the route of the march. When the escort is in the vicinity of
the grave, it resumes a slow cadence to solemn music. Customary music is
used.
b. As the procession approaches the grave, the marching elements

move directly to their predestinated positions. The band and military escort
are formed in line in view of the next of kin. The other marching elements are
halted as near as practicable to the grave. The firing party is positioned so
that it fires over the grave and so that it is in view of the next of kin.
c. Before the hearse is halted, the honorary pallbearers are formed

in two ranks, the most senior closest to the hearse, forming and aisle
extending from the hearse toward the grave. When the grave is too near to
the road to permit this formation, they take their position at the grave before
the casket is removed from the hearse.
d. When the casket is ready to be moved from the hearse, the

escort commander commands TANGHAL, TA. At the command of execution
TA, the escort executes present arms and the band renders honors. After the
casket was emplaced to its truck, the escort commander commands BABA
TA, Immediately follows by last viewing and benediction from the clergy.
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e. When casket is about to be buried, the escort commander

commands TANGHAL TA, followed by the firing of twenty-one (21) gun
salutes. And plays of taps by the drummer and bugler, after that, the escort
commander commands BABA TA. The band renders, if appropriate the alma
mater hymn.
Note: If a military chaplain is not present, the officer in charge or non-

commissioned officer in charge presents the flag to the next of kin.
6. Grave Service. For a funeral without chapel service, all elements of a

military funeral must be present. However, if troops are not conveniently
available, or if the family desires eliminate other elements, the following must
be used:
a. Clergy
b. Officer in Charge or non-commissioned officer in charge,

appropriate to the grace of the deceased.
c. Active pallbearers
d. Firing party
e. Drummer and Bugler
f. Personal color bearer (if applicable)
These elements are positioned at the graveside before the arrival of

the remains.
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7. Cremated Remains
a. When the remains are cremated and the ashes interred with
military honors, necessary modification will govern.
b. For all phases of the funeral, where the cremated remains are
carried by hand, one man is detailed to carry the receptacle (casket)
containing the ashes and another is detailed to carry the flag, folded into the
shape of a cocked hat. The pallbearers carrying the flag are always positioned
to the right of the remains. When the receptacles are carried from the hearse
into the chapel and from the chapel to the hearse, these two men are the only
participants in the ceremony. During the procession to the gravesite, the two
pallbearers followed by four (4) additional pallbearers carry the receptacle and
flag. When the receptacle has been placed on the gravesite, all six
pallbearers unfold the flag and hold it over the grave.
c. When the receptacle and flag are placed before the chancel of
the chapel or transported to gravesite by vehicle, the receptacle and folded
flag are place side by side. If the pallbearers walk to the gravesite, the two
bearers who carried the receptacle and the flag join the other four pallbearers
already repositioned on either side of the hearse.
d. When no hearse is used, suitable transportation is provided for

the receptacle and flag bearers and the other pallbearers.
e. When the remains are removed to a ceremony and the ashes

are to be interred with military honors at a later time, the ceremony consists
only of the escort to the crematory. All personnel salute as the remains are
carried into the crematory. The firing of volleys and the sounding of TAPS are
omitted. When the funeral ceremony is held at the crematory, and when no
further honors are anticipated, the volleys are fired and TAPS is sounded at
the discretion of the commander officer.
8. Ceremony in Transferring Remains. If the remains of a general or

flag officer are brought ashore in the vicinity of a military post, the flag will be
displayed at half-staff and gun salute will be fired as the procession moves.
The number of guns will be that to which the officer was entitled as a salute.
When the remains of a deceased soldier are moved to a railway station or any
other point for shipment to another place for interment or final disposition,
funeral services are modified as necessary. When no further military honors
are anticipated at the place of interment or final disposition, the volleys are
fired and TAPS sounded at the discretion of the commanding officer. When
military honors are anticipated at the place of final disposition, the volleys and
TAPS are omitted.
9. Gun Salute. When the funeral of a general officer on the active or

retired list, which was entitled to a gun salute, takes place at or near a military
installation, guns equal to the number to which the officer was entitled, may
be fired at noon on the day of the funeral. The military installation mentioned
in general orders fires the prescribed salutes. Immediately preceding the
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benediction, a gun salute corresponding to the grade of the deceased is fired

at five-second intervals. Following the benediction, three volleys are fired.
10. Funeral Off Post. The commander, upon request, provides funeral
detail for deceased active duty or retired armed forces personnel when the
burial is to take place in a civilian or national cemetery off the installation.
However, upon request, the composition may be the same as that of funeral
inside posts as appropriate. The detail is normally composed as follows:
a. Officer in charge or noncommissioned officer in charge.
b. Six active pallbearers
c. Firing party
d. Drummer and Bugler
Note: When military pallbearers are not available, the firing party may
fold the flag after the firing.
The survivor assistance officer supervises the arrangement for the

funeral. The officer in charge or noncommissioned officer in charge of the
funeral detail coordinates all aspects of the ceremonies with this officer.
Upon arrival at the destination where the funeral is to be conducted,

the officer in charge or noncommissioned officer in charge meets the survivor
assistance officer and ascertains the sequences of the ceremony. The normal
sequence of events is as follows:
a. At the funeral home. On the order of the funeral director, the

pallbearers move the casket to the hearse. The pallbearers should be certain
to carry the casket feet first and level at all times.
b. At the church. The active pallbearers carry the casket from the
hearse into the chapel. When the casket has been placed on the church, two
pallbearers push the truck to the front of the church while the other
pallbearers move to the vestibule and await the termination of the church
service. If there is no church truck, the pallbearer’s carry the casket to the
front of the church as instructed by the funeral director or minister concerned.
If desired by the family, the active pallbearers may occupy the pews (seats) to
the left front of the church. After the church service, the pallbearers, under the
direction of the funeral director, move the casket to the hearse. When the
casket has been placed in the hearse, the pallbearers enter their vehicles.
c. At the cemetery. The officer in charge or a designated individual

commands the repositioned firing party, drummer and bugler DA to TILAP,
and TANGHAL TA as soon as the casket is moved from the hearse. Then
commands BABA, TA is given when the casket reaches the grave. The
pallbearers carry the casket, feet first and level to the grave. On reaching the
grave, the casket is placed on the lowering device. The pallbearers raise the
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flag from the casket and hold it in a horizontal position, waists high, until the
conclusion of TAPS.
11. Participation of Aviation. When aviation participates in a military

funeral, it is timed so that the aircraft appears over the procession.
12. Participation Of Fraternal or Patriotic Organization. The family or

representative of the deceased may request fraternal or patriotic
organizations, of which the deceased was a member, to take part in the
funeral service. With immediate family approval, fraternal or patriotic
organizations may conduct graveside service, at the conclusion of the military
portion of the ceremony, signified by the flag presentation to the next of kin
and escort departure from the cemetery.
13. Duties of a Chaplain. The chaplain takes his position in front of the
chapel before the arrival of the remains. He precedes the casket, when it is
carried from the hearse into the chapel and from the chapel to the hearse.
While the remains are being placed in the hearse, he stands at the rear and to
the side facing the hearse. When he is wearing vestments, he may, at his
discretion, proceed from the chancel to the sacristy (vestry) at the conclusion
of the chapel service and divest, joining the procession before it moves from
the chapel. He then precedes the hearse to the graveside and precedes the
casket to the grave.
14. Preliminary Arrangements. The officer in charge of a military funeral,

the commander of the escort, the funeral director, and the superintendent of
the cemetery or his representative visit the places involved and make careful
arrangements before the time set for the funeral. They determine the positions
at the grave for the various elements of the funeral and make arrangements
for traffic control.
15. Floral Tributes. In the absence of the chaplain, the chaplain’s

assistant helps the funeral director in arranging all floral tributes in the chapel.
The commanding officer or his representative coordinates with the funeral
director the necessary transportation for prompt transfer of floral tributes from
the chapel to the gravesite. The vehicle bearing the floral tributes is loaded
promptly at the conclusion of the chapel service. It precedes the funeral
procession, moving as rapidly as practicable to the site of the grave. The
funeral procession does not move from the chapel until the vehicle carrying
the floral tributes has cleared the escort. The funeral director or the cemetery
representative is responsible for removing cards and making a record that
give a brief description of the floral piece pertaining to each card. After
completion of the funeral services, the cards and records are turned over to a
member of the family of the deceased.
16. Rules for Ceremonial Firing. For a ceremonial firing, the firing party
may consist of seven (7) riflemen with one noncommissioned officer as firing
party commander. However, twenty one (21) riflemen with FPC may
complement during interment of senior military officers or other VIP’s and
government officials. The firing party is normally pre-positioned at the
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gravesite and facing toward the direction that allows it to fire directly over the
grave. However, care should be taken to ensure that rifles are fired at a 45-
degree angle from the horizontal.
Figure 10.2 Ceremonial Firing.
a. To load. Magazines loaded with three rounds of blank

ammunitions are already inserted in their rifle before forming the firing party
when seven (7) riflemen is detailed. At the conclusion of the religious
services or on the escort commander’s command, the firing party commander
directs the loading of blank ammunitions. At the command of MAGPUNGLO
each rifleman executes port arms, faces to the half right, and moves his right
foot ten (10) inches to the right to a position that gives him a firm distance. He
then chambers a round, places the weapon in the position, and resumes port
arms.
b. To fire by volley: When the riflemen have completed the

movements and are locked, the commands are HANDA, SIPAT, PUTOK. At
command HANDA, each rifleman moves the safety to the fire post. On the
command SIPAT, the rifle is shouldered with both hands, the muzzle to the
front at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizon. On the command of
execution PUTOK, the trigger is squeezed quickly and the weapons are
immediately returned to port arms. To continue the firing, the commands
SIPAT and PUTOK are given as previously prescribed. To chamber another
round, the command HANDA, is always given for each rifleman to manually
chamber the next round. When the command SIPAT and PUTOK are given
another volleys of ammunition are fired. When the third round has been fired,
the firing party commander commands BABA TA and TANGHAL TA. He
then proceeds to presentation and the playing of TAPS or Tawag Paghimlay
is sounded. After he commanded to order arms, the firing party commander
and his elements remain at attention until the flag has been folded and
saluted by the officer in charge or non-commissioned officer in charge of the
funeral detail. At this time, the firing party commander executes about face
and commands HARAP SA KANAN (KALIWA), RAP; AGAP TA; and
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PASULONG KAD. Weapons are unloaded and cleared as soon as possible

before leaving the gravesite.
Figure 10.3 Firing by Volley.
Note: When twenty-one (21) riflemen with FPC are required same
execution will be adopted.
17. Notice of Death
a. President/Ex-President. On the day after receipt of an official

notice of death of the President or an Ex-President of the Philippines, the
Commanding Officer at all installations / stations equipped with necessary
personnel and material shall cause the performance of the following:
1) Eight guns to be fired at reveille and a gun fired every

half-hour, beginning one hour after reveille, and ending at retreat after which
the salute of a gun representing each province shall again be fired.
2) All troops at all military stations or bases and the cadets

of the PMA, PAFFS and PMMA shall be paraded at 1000 hours and the
official orders announcing the death shall be read.
3) On the day of funeral, while the remains are being borne

to the place of interment, after the funeral service at the house, building or
church, 21 gun salute shall be fired at intervals of one every minute (minute
guns) at all military installations / stations equipped with necessary personnel
and material.
4) Posts distant from the place at which the funeral is held

shall fire the salute directed in (a) above at a reasonable time after the hour
set for the funeral.
5) If the remains are removed from the immediate vicinity of

the place of death, all troops along the route of the funeral trains shall be
aligned along the funeral route to render appropriate honors.
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6) Military mourning shall be observed for a period of one

(1) month after the date of the order announcing the death.
b. Vice President. On the day after receipt of the official notice of

death of the Vice-President of the Philippines, unless this days falls on a
Sunday or holiday, in which case the honors shall be rendered on the day
after Sunday or Holiday, the Commanding Officer at all military
installations/stations will cause 8 guns to be fired every half-hour until retreat
is sounded and immediately after which a salute of one gun for each province
shall be fired.
c. Secretary of National Defense. In the event of the death of the

Secretary of National Defense, the same honor shall be rendered as
prescribed in case of the death of the Vice-President of the Philippines,
omitting the guns to be fired at reveille.
d. Undersecretaries of National Defense. In the event of death of

the Undersecretary of National Defense, the minute guns to be fired on the
day of the funeral and the gun salute to be fired immediately after retreat shall
be limited to the number of guns to which that official is entitled.
e. General/Flag Officer. Orders announcing the death of a general

or flag officer on the active or retired list will specify the military
installation/station at which gun salute shall be fired. One hour after reveille
following the date of receipt of the order, guns shall be fired at half-hour
interval until retreat. When the funeral of an officer on the active or retired list
entitled to a salute takes place at or near a military installation/station, minute
guns shall be fired while the remains are being borne to the place of the
interment. Immediately after the remains have been lowered into the grave, a
salute corresponding to the rank of the deceased shall be fired, followed by
the volleys by artillery, guns firing simultaneously or three (3) volleys of
musketry.
18. Funeral Escorts
a. Funeral and Graveside Services – Funeral services within the

context of this manual shall include escort, band, colors, clergy, caisson
and/or funeral car, pallbearers, and chapel services. Graveside services
include the clergy, pallbearers, firing party, drummer and bugler. The funeral
party consists of the following:
1) Band
2) Escort
3) Colors
4) Clergy
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5) Caisson and active pallbearers Caparisoned horse or

Funeral car
6) Honorary pallbearers
7) Firing Party
b. Funeral Escorts – The following guidelines will govern the

composition of funeral escorts. However, local commanders may vary the
composition as maybe appropriate to suit local situations:
1 One Squad EP from E1 to E4
2 One Section EP from E5 to E7

3 One Platoon Company Grade Officer
4 One Company of Field Grade Officer to One (1) Star Rank of
Two (2) Platoons General/Flag Officer
5 One Battalion of TwoTwo (2) Star Rank of General/Flag Officer to
(2) Company General And Civilian VIP’s entitled to a Gun
Salute from 13 to 19 Guns
6 Brigade size of Two President, Ex-President, SND, CSAFP or as
(2) Battalions prescribed by Senate President, Speaker of the
House of Representative, SND, Supreme Court
Justices or the President
c. Composite Escort Units:
1) Normally, the funeral escort will be composed of

personnel from the Major Service responsible for providing the funeral
services. However, the funeral escort may be composed of a composite/AFP
unit for persons that may be prescribed in appropriate regulations.
2) Commanders of Composite Units and the band will be

provided by the Major Service/Unit responsible for providing the funeral
services.
3) All elements of the funeral party except the caisson are

present during the graveside services. However, if troops are not conveniently
available or fit and if the family so desires, the following are used instead:
a) Clergy
b) Active pallbearers
c) Firing Squad
d) Bugler
e) Pallbearers. Six (6) active pallbearers shall be

selected at the request of the family of the deceased, otherwise by the
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commanding officer. The decision in selecting honorary pallbearers rests with

the relatives of the deceased otherwise, the commanding officer. Detailed
active pallbearers shall be on the same rank of the deceased and/or on lower
rank.
19. Military Mourning. When a military personnel dies, the commander of

the camp where the deceased was last assigned shall declare military
mourning within the military camp, post or station concerned unless mourning
is inappropriate due to circumstances of the death. The badge of military
mourning shall be prescribed. The badge of military mourning is a straight
band or plain black cloth or black crepe four inches wide, worn around the left
sleeve and above the elbow of the service uniform. It shall be worn during
periods prescribed or when specifically ordered by proper authority, and by all
military personnel in uniform attending a military funeral in their individual
capacity. National Flag at half-staff – The Camp Commander of the camp
where the deceased lies in state shall be responsible for placing the national
flag at half-staff. The national and regimental colors and standards will be
draped and two streams of black crepe (7 inches long and about 12 inches
wide) attached to the ferrule below, will be used.
a. Death of an Officer – For officer who dies at a military post, the

National Flag will be displayed at half-staff.
Figure 10.4 Half Mass.
b. Funeral of Enlisted Personnel – During the funeral of enlisted

personnel at a military post, the national flag will be displayed at half-staff. It
will then be hoisted to the top after the final volley or gun is fired, or after the
remains are taken from the post. The funeral honor services and other last
courtesies are also given to retired personnel and inactive reserve officers
when their remains are brought to the chapel. DCS RRA shall be responsible
for coordinating with relevant offices or units for the availability of funeral
services and other last courtesies for deceased AFP veterans, AFP retirees
and reservists in the inactive status. Unless directed otherwise by CSAFP or
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higher authority, Maj Svc Command and Commanders of AFP Wide Support
and Separate Units are responsible for arranging and conducting the funeral
services according to the following guidelines:
1) For AFP personnel who die while in active service by the

Major service to which deceased was assigned at the time of death. If the
deceased was detailed to an AFP Wide Support or Separate Unit at the time
of death, that unit will conduct the funeral services unless the particular Maj
Svc of the deceased specifically requests for the conduct of funeral services.
2) For AFP personnel on Retired/Inactive status, and for

civilian when so directed:
a) By the Maj Svc to which deceased was last

assigned at the time of separation form the AFP.
b) By the Maj Svc Reserve Command to which the

Inactive Reserve Officer was last assigned.
c) HSC, GHQ will provide funeral services for all

others remains falling under the foregoing classification, when so authorized
and directed by proper authority.
3) Funeral services in localities where the responsible Maj

Svc having no means or facilitates to conduct said services, the same will be
assigned to the Maj Svc or unit which is in the most convenient position to
provide the same. DCS PER in coordination with DCS OPR shall designate
the particular Maj Svc, which shall render the services referred to above.
4) CSAFP, or higher authority, may direct, in specific case,

the funeral services that will be rendered to include funeral escorts and
honors. In such cases, GHQ & HSC will be responsible for planning,
conducting and coordinating the funeral services and arrangement, unless
otherwise directed.
20. Commander Funeral Escorts. The Commander of a Funeral Escort

will be as follows:
a. Of the President or an ex-President: as directed by the

Secretary of National Defense.
b. Of the Secretary of National Defense: as directed by the Acting

c. Of the Undersecretary of National Defense: as directed by the

d. Of the Chief of Staff, or a former Chief of Staff: as directed by

the Secretary of National Defense.
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e. Of an Officer: an officer of the same grade; if none such be

present, as directed by the commanding Officer.
f. Of a cadet: a cadet of the same class
g. Of a non-commissioned officer of one of the first three grades:

by a non-commissioned officer of the highest grade available.
h. Of an E-4: by an E-4.
21. Military Attendance at a Funeral
a. Procedures. Such personnel as directed by the commanding

officer attend the funeral of a person in the military service. All persons in the
military service not in formation attending military funerals will follow the
mourners in order to rank, seniors in front. All person in the military service in
uniform attending in their individual capacity will face the casket and execute
the hand salute at any time when the casket is being lowered into the grave,
during the firing of the volley, and while TAPS is being sounded. During the
prayer or blessing of the remains at the graveside, military personnel in
uniform remain covered and vow their heads. Honorary pallbearers in
uniform will conform to those instructions when not in motion. Military
personnel in civilian clothes in the above case will stand at attention
uncovered, and hold the headdress over the left breast. The chaplain will
remain uncovered except in inclement weather or if religious rites prescribed
head covering. During a military funeral, the drum shall be muffled and
covered with black crepe or thin black serge. The regimental colors shall not
be place in mourning or draped except when ordered by the Secretary of
National Defense. When so ordered, two (2) streams of black crepe 7 feet
long and about 12 inches wide, attached to the ferrule below the spearhead
shall be used.
b. When in formation under arms - See training publications of the

different arms.
22. Officer and other Grades out of Ranks.
a. At a military funeral, all persons in the military service in uniform

or civilian clothes attending in their individual capacity, or as honorary
pallbearers will stand at attention uncovered, and hold the headdress over the
left breast, while the casket is being carried from the caisson to and lowered
into the grave during the firing of the volley while TAPS is being sounded, and
during the services at the grave. During the prayer they also bow their heads.
In cold or inclement weather, they will remain covered and will remain
executing the hand salute as the casket is carried past them to grave or until it
is carried beyond saluting distance. They will also execute the hand salute
during the firing of the volleys and while TAPS is being sounded. This will also
apply to the chaplain except during the reading of the service.
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b. While the casket is being carried from the house of the caisson,
from the caisson to the church, or from the church to the caisson, they will
stand at attention uncovered and place the headdress over the left breast. In
cold or inclement weather however, they will remain covered and will execute
the hand salute.
c. They will salute the casket as it passes in any military funeral at

anytime or place, by facing the casket, assuming the position of attention
uncovering and placing the headdress over the left breast. In cold or
inclement weather, they will remain covered and will execute the hand salute.
d. The active pallbearers while carrying the casket will remain

covered; at other times they will conform to the above prescription.
23. Where remains off those in Active Service are turned over to
relatives. The commanding officer of any post, camp, depot or and other
station will furnish a firing squad of not to extend eight (8) men, a drummer
and bugler with appropriate vigil guards preferably from the branch of service
of the deceased to attend the funeral of a person who has died in active
military service and whose remains have been turned-over to the relatives or
friend of the deceased. And provided that such a firing squad can be
furnished without interfering with duties of the man composing it, and without
expense to them or to the Government, except in the use of available
transportation.
24. Where the funeral of those on Retired list not held at military post.
a. Where the funeral of an officer or an enlisted personnel on the

retired list occurs other than at a military post, base, camp or station, but near
one, a funeral escort may be ordered by the commander of the post, base,
camp, or station which is nearest to the place where the funeral is to be held.
Such escort will exceed the number prescribed in paragraph 18 for the rank of
the deceased officer or enlisted personnel.
b. Where the funeral occurs other than at a military post, base,

camp or station, and too remote from there to justify the sending of the eight
(8) men, a drummer and bugler with appropriate vigil guards preferably from
the branch of service of the deceased, a funeral escort may be ordered by the
proper commander under provision of paragraph 18.
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CHAPTER 11
WREATHLAYING CEREMONY
1. General. Wreath laying has a historical function that immortalizes great

men, events and places. This activity is usually given by visiting dignitaries,
ranking government and military official to pay tribute, homage and respect to
a particular place or person on significant occasions and dates that are of
great importance to a history or person. This is usually done at the following
places.
a. Rizal Monument
b. Libingan ng mga Bayani
c. Bonifacio Monument
d. Aguinaldo Shrine
e. Corregidor Shrine
f. Tejeros Convention Marker
g. Dambana ng Kagitingan
h. Other national shrine and sites
2. Organization. The ceremonial elements shall be composed of the

following:
a. Escort of Honor of thirty-six (36) men (or as the space area

warrants) with one (1) CPT/1LT or LT/LTJG as Escort Commander and one
(1) guidon bearer.
b. Two (2) wreath bearers or more (in even numbers) depending

on the number of wreaths to be laid.
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c. Firing Party twenty-one (21) men (3 x 7) with Firing Commander.
d. Band of at least twenty-five (25) members with conductor. A

drummer and three (3) buglers will be made as part of the band.
e. Two (2) color bearers for the National and Unit colors, and two
(2) color guards.
Figure 11.1 Organization.
3. Formation of Troops (Wreath Formation). The members of the

Escort of Honor form at both sides of the path where the Guest of Honor and
Military Host (MH) will walk towards Point 4 (where the wreath is to be laid)
facing each other and maintaining proper interval between each other. The
Escort Commander and the guidon bearer behind him position themselves
approximately six (6) paces to the front of the marker (Point 2) where the
Guest of Honor and the MH will stand for the ceremony.
a. In case there is a civilian host, the civilian host will remain at

Point 2 throughout the ceremony.
b. The National and the Unit color bearers and guards are
repositioned on both sides of the tomb, monument or shrine with the National
Color at the right side.
c. The Firing Party is formed approximately ten (10) paces to the

right of the monument, tomb or shrine
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Figure 11.2 Formation of Troops.
d. The wreath detail positions themselves at a point in the path to

assist the GOH in bringing the wreath to Point 4.
e. The band is formed at the vicinity to the right of the Escort

Commander or as the area dictates.
4. Procedure
a. The GOH alights from his car at Point 1 where the Host will
meet him. (If the MH is riding in a car with guest of honor(s), both will alight at
the same point). At this time, the Escort Commander brings the ceremonial
troops to attention.
b. The MH escorts the GOH to point 2. In accordance with the

protocol requirement, the MH stays at the left side of the GOH. Other guests
stay behind them.
c. As soon as the GOH and the MH have occupied their respective

positions at Point 2, the Escort Commander faces the troops and commands
TANGHAL, TA. He assumes his original position, as the guidon bearer
executes the appropriate salute.
d. The Band plays the National Anthem of the GOH (if he is head
of the state or ambassador) followed by the Philippine National Anthem. If
the GOH is not a head of the state or ambassador, only the Philippine
National Anthem will be played.
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e. After the National Anthem has been played, the Escort

Commander together with the guidon bearer executes order arms. He faces
the troops and commands; BABA, TA. He faces about, salutes and says,
"Ginoo, handa na po ang pag-aalay". The Escort Commander together with
the guidon bearer goes to the side giving way to the GOH and MH.
Note: In cases were there are more than one wreath layers, the most
junior will lay the wreath first.
f. Band plays the Pilipinas Kong Mahal.
g. At the last note of the music, the MH invites the GOH to move
forward.
h. As the GOH and the MH approach the wreath, one of the wreath
bearers will command DAMPOT BULAKLAK, NA and simultaneously, the
wreath bearers Proceeds to Point 4 followed by the GOH and the MH. Other
guests remain in their positions at Point 2. At this instance, the drummer and
three (3) buglers who are initially with the band, position themselves near the
monument.
i. When the Honoree and MH reaches Point 3, the MH stops. The

GOH and the Wreath Details continue walking until they reach Point 4. (Note:
The movement from Point 2 to Point 4 should be completed to coincide with
the last note of the Pilipinas Kong Mahal).
j. The GOH assisted by the wreath bearers, lays the wreath then
steps back to Point 4. Wreath bearers salute the monument then face about
and occupy their respective positions at both sides of the monument.
k. At this instance, Escort Commander commands TANGHAL, TA.

The escort Commander together with the guidon bearers, executes present
arms.
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l. Drummers sound four (4) ruffled drums. Everybody in the area

renders appropriate respect/salute.
m. After the ruffle drums have been sounded, the firing party fires
three volleys then the bugler sounds the TAPS. If the flower drop is added in
the ceremony, petals are dropped after the sounding of TAPS.
n. At the last note of TAPS, Escort Commander and the guidon

bearer executes order arms. He commands the troops BABA, TA.
o. The Band plays Sampaguita while GOH moves from Point 4 to

Point 3 where he will be joined by the host.
p. From Point 3, the GOH and Host go back to Point 2.
q. The band ceases playing the music as soon as the GOH and
the Host have occupied their original positions at Point 2.
r. Escort Commander with guidon bearer move to their original

positions at Point 2. Escort Commander executes about face and commands
TANGHAL, TA. He again executes about face and together with the guidon
bearer they execute present arms. After the Honoree has acknowledged the
salute, the Escort Commander and the guidon bearer execute order arms.
The Escort Commander then faces about and commands BABA, TA. Again
he faces about and executes hand salute to the GOH and says "Tapos na
po ang pag-aalay" (Sir, that ends the ceremony).
s. The GOH acknowledges his salute. .
t. The GOH and the MH face each other. The MH will render
appropriate respect/salute and exchange pleasantries with the GOH.
5. Diagram (POINTS 1, 2, 3, 4).
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Diagram: Depicting the formation of troops during wreath laying ceremonies.

(May vary depending on the venue).
Figure 11.6 A Wreathlaying Ceremony.
6. Procedure for here Volleys of Fire. On the third and fourth drum
ruffles, the Firing party commander commands HARAP SA KANAN, RAP
and AGAP, TA respectively. After the fourth drum ruffle, the firing party
commander will command UNANG TILAP SIPAT, TOK. After the last word of
the preparatory command SIPAT, the first squad firers’ aim there rifles 45
degrees upward and to the left. Simultaneously, their right foot will move one
foot backward opposite the direction of their rifles. At the command of
execution TOK, firers must pull the trigger at the same time. The second and
third squads will do the same as the firing party commander dictates.
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CHAPTER 12
MILITARY WEDDING
1. General
a. The military wedding is like other weddings except for the

following members of the AFP in the bridal party are in uniform and the bride
and groom usually leave the chapel or church under the traditional arch of
swords. Another difference is, during the reception, the bride to cut the first
piece of cake will use the groom’s sword. The uniform worn is in accordance
with the kind of wedding, which was planned by the concerned parties.
Members of the AFP, however, usually wear white/white duck and gala during
such occasion.
b. The arch of swords takes place immediately following the

ceremony when the couple leaves the chapel or church. Only commissioned
officers are entitled to a draw sword for their wedding. Commissioned officers
and cadets are authorized to participate in the sword ceremony. They have to
be in white duck, major service blouse or as appropriate. Prior to the conduct
of this, however, approval/permission from the officiating chaplain or
clergyman must be sought especially when it is being done inside the chapel
or church.
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2. Planning the Wedding. The couple, their parents and some close
relatives, decides the date and time of the wedding. Likewise, they decide on
where the wedding ceremony and the reception will take place. In planning
the wedding, the following are to be considered:
a. Religious Ceremonies
b. Parents
c. Best man for the groom
d. Maid of honor for the bride
e. Bouquet or corsage for the bride
f. Rings for the bride and groom
g. Wedding gown for the bride
h. Reception
i. Wedding trip
3. Preparation for the Wedding
a. The Chapel. The chapel is reserved on the first come, first

served basis. Permission for its use shall be obtained as soon as possible, in
order to ensures the desired date and hour for the wedding. The couple with
the chapel authority should do reservation for the chapel at least one month
prior to the scheduled date.
b. The Chaplain. As in the case of all weddings, it is important for

the engaged couple to consult their chaplain (clergyman) at least a month
before the schedule of the wedding. The chaplain will advise the couple
concerning such requirements as medical test, obtaining the marriage license
and other requirements. Although most chaplains refer to officiate in the
chapel where he is assigned, a clergyman from the couple's home church
may assist the ceremony if this is acceptable to the chaplain and is so
arranged beforehand. The official chaplain (clergyman) will be in accordance
with the religious preference of the couple.
c. The Music. In conformity with the religious aspect of wedding

ceremonies, the pianist shall play traditional wedding music and selection
from the library of sacred music available in the chapel or church.
d. Flowers and Decorations. The church authorities may do flowers

and decorations for the church. The concerned parties may also do it.
However, decoration which shall require alteration to the chapel or church or
should have prior clearance and approval by the chaplain (clergyman).
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4. Requirements for the Wedding. The following are to be secured a

month or so prior to the schedule of the wedding:
a. Birth Certificates of both groom and bride.
b. Baptismal Certificates of both groom and bride.
c. Background Information of the bride in case the groom is a

military man and vice versa.
d. Request permission to marry (Personal Action Form) addressed

to the Major Service Commander (Attn: Personnel Officer).
e. Certificate that the prospective groom and bride have undergone

series of seminars on family planning from Population Commission Centers or
from Rural Health Centers.
f. Certification that the couple has undergone pre-marriage,

counseling at St. Ignatius chapel, GHQ, CGEA.
g. Certification that the marriage has been announced several

times in churches / chapels near the residence of the bride and groom.
5. Wedding Entourage
a. The entourage is normally composed of the following:
1) Sword Sponsor
2) Groom with parents
3) Ushers
4) Best man
5) Principal Sponsors
6) Ring Bearer
7) Coin Bearer
8) Flower girl/s
9) Secondary Sponsors
10) Bride with parents
11) Maid of Honor
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b. The bride and the groom may have one attendant each, this
would be the best man and the maid honor. The bride will ask the sister or a
very close relative, or an intimate friend, to be her maid of honor. The bride
can also have bridesmaids. Other members of the bridal attendant are the
following: flower girls with the age of 4-7 years old, coin bearer and the ring
bearer (4-5 years old).
c. Best Man. The groom chooses his best man and ushers from
among his closest friends or relatives. His best man may be a brother or an
intimate friend. The best man is bridegroom's aide. It is his duty to ensure the
smooth administration of the rites. Before the ceremony, the best man checks
on the groom's uniform, marriage license, wedding rings and swords. He
checks what has to be signed, and that everything is in order. He notifies the
ushers to be at the chapel or church at least twenty minutes before the
ceremony and he will arrive with the groom to be sure that the latter is not late
and that he is properly dressed. Following the couple's vow, the best man
joins in the recessional in which he customarily escorts the maid of honor.
Afterwards, he may hurry on to the place of reception and check on details.
He does not stand in the receiving line at the reception, but is near the groom
to be of further help.
d. The Ushers. The ushers represent not only the groom but also
the families of the bride and groom as well. They act as unofficial host,
greeting the guest in a pleasant manner, and are escorts in the chapel, church
and in the place of the reception. When ushering, the ushers should not wear
the swords. They may however, leave their swords at a place convenient for
the arch of sword (sabers) ceremony.
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e. Secondary Sponsors. The couple from their close relatives and

friends selects secondary Sponsors. Usually the secondary sponsors are
composed of three pairs and their duties are as follows:
1) Candle - The first pair is usually designated as the pair to

light the candles.
2) Veil - The second pair is designated to pin the veil on the

couple.
3) Chord - The third group will put on the chord to the

couple.
f. Principal Sponsors. The principal sponsors are selected persons

usually of the higher age bracket than that of the couple and coming from
relatives, family friends and senior officers of the AFP chosen by the couple.
The main duty of the principal sponsors is to act as secondary parents to the
couple.
g. Sword Sponsors. The Sword Sponsors are selected officers of

the AFP usually composed of classmates of the groom to perform the arch of
swords. The sword sponsor is composed of a minimum of four (4) pairs and a
maximum of eight (8) pairs, depending upon the size of the chapel or church.
6. Wedding Ceremony
a. The Processional. Normally, the bridal entourage is arranged in

the order stated during the processional, however, it varies depending upon
the couple and church authorities:
1) Sword Sponsor
2) Groom with parents
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3) Ushers
4) Best man
5) Principal Sponsors
6) Ring Bearer
7) Coin Bearer
8) Flower girl
9) Secondary Sponsors
10) Bridesmaid/s
11) Bride with parents
12) Maid of Honor
b. Procedure. As soon as the bridal entourage has been formed at

a designated or appropriate area in the vestibule as in (Fig 12.1), The Sword
Sponsors march in column of two's towards the altar with the most senior or
designated commander, giving the commands. When the elements reach the
point, which is in line with the first pew, the Commander commands, TILAP,
TO. As soon as they are halted, the Sword Sponsors automatically execute
center face. They maintain said formation until the last element of the bridal
entourage has passed and everyone has reached their respective positions in
the altar as in (Fig 12.3). The Swords Sponsor commander then commands
PALABAS, RAP and marches off towards the entrance of the chapel or
church. The groom who has been repositioned near the altar waits for the
bride. When bride reaches the point between the groom and the maid of
honor, she pauses about three paces from the groom. Then the bride reaches
groom's left arm. The couple then proceeds to their designated seats. The
chaplain then gives the signal for the guests to take seats. The ceremony
follows.
c. The Recessional
The Bride and the Groom are the first to leave the chapel, with the
Bride on the right side of the Groom. The Maid of Honor and the Best Man
walk out together, followed by the Bridesmaids and the ushers in pairs. The
recessional will be conducted in the order in Fig 12.2.
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Figure 12.1 Arch of Sword (Saber).
Arch of Swords (Sabers) Ceremony - Before the end of the ceremony,

the Sword Sponsors again form at the vicinity of the entrance of the chapel.
They march towards a designated area where the bridal entourage will form
for the recessional with the designated commander giving commands. Upon
reaching the designated point, the Sword Commander commands, TILAP,
TO: The Sword Sponsor halts and automatically executes center face. As
soon as the Bride and Groom and other members of the bridal entourage are
ready for recessional, the Sword Sponsor Commander commands,
PALABAS, RAP first and then PASULONG, KAD. The Sword Sponsor
marches towards a designated area outside the chapel or church where the
arch of sword is to be conducted. Upon reaching the area, the Sword Sponsor
Commander then commands, TILAP, TO. The Sword Sponsor halts and
automatically executes center face. As soon as the Bride and the Groom are
approximately 6 paces before the first elements of the Sword Sponsor, the
Sword Commander commands, ANTABAY, BUNOT, KALIS. The Sword
Sponsor executes the command wherein each sword/saber bearer raises his
right arm with the sword/saber, rotating in a clockwise direction, so that the
cutting edge of the sword/saber will be on top, thus forming an arch with his
opposite across the aisle. As the Groom and Bride pass by a pair of Sword
Sponsor, the swords of the particular pair will be rotated with a snap and
hitting each other's sword thereby producing a sound. Afterwards that pair
automatically executes carry sword. This series of sword ceremonies is done
up to the last pair of Sword Sponsors.
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ALTAR
PARENTS
PRINCIPAL
SPONSOR
SECONDARY
SPONSOR
BRIDE’S MAIDS
AND USHERS
FLOWER GIRL
COIN BEARER
RING BEARER
MH BM
B G
Figure 12.2 Recessional.
Figure 12.3 Position of the Bridal Entourage.
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Figure
. 12.4 Formation of the Bridal Entourage
7. Wedding Receptions
a. The type of reception as well as the number of guest to be

invited depends upon the choice of the couple. A reception may be held at
home, in the officer's club at a hotel or other similar places, which the couple
may select.
b. A receiving line may also be formed at the entrance of the place

of reception. An example of a receiving line is indicated in Fig 12.5. To greet
the bridal party, one offers something like the following "Best Wishes to the
Bride and Congratulations to the Bridegroom".
c. Seating arrangement - A presidential table is always prepared in

the reception area. Usually, the Groom and Bride, Principal Sponsors,
Chaplain or Clergyman and the Parents are seated at the presidential table.
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Figure 12.5 Version of a Receiving Line.
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CHAPTER 13
OATHTAKING
1. General. Oath taking may be a separate and distinct ceremony or

integrated as a part of a formal ceremony such as flag raising.
2. Oath taking (Indoor Part of a Program)
a. As soon as the emcee announces that an Oath taking

Ceremony will take place, the marcher of the group comes in front, faces the
audience and says: MGA TAONG MANUNUMPA, PUMAGITNA KAD. The
persons about to take their oath rise from their seats and orderly form a line in
front of the marcher facing the stage.
b. The marcher faces about, salutes the person who will administer
the oath and reports: "Ginoo, ang mga taong manunumpa nandito na
pong lahat".
c. The person who will administer the oath rises, acknowledges the
salute, proceeds to the rostrum and says: “Mangyaring itaas ang kanang
kamay at ulitin ang aking sasabihin” After the last word is delivered, the
persons about to take their oath should mentally count one to three. The third
count will be for the raising of their right hand.
d. After the oath taking, on the last word of the person

administering the oath, the persons who swore should mentally count one to
three. The third count will be hands down. The administering officer may then
shake hands with the oath takers. (If oath takers are in mass, shaking hands
may be waived. The sentence; “Congratulations to all of you!” may do.) After
which, the marcher again says: MGA TAONG NANUMPA, SUMALUNAN,
KAD. The oath takers go back to their seats and sit down on the signal from
the marcher.
e. The next number of the program follows.
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3. Oath taking (Outdoor)
a. The oath takers are initially positioned opposite the troop

commander and staff.
b. As soon as the emcee announces the oath taking, the marcher

commands: MGA TAONG MANUNUMPA, PASULONG, KAD. They march
forward and stop approximately six paces away from the troop commander.
c. The marcher salutes and reports to the troop commander:

"Ginoo, ang mga taong manunumpa nandito pong lahat".
d. The troop commander acknowledges the salute and directs his

staff to march to the side. The person who will administer the oath goes to the
rostrum and says: "Mangyaring itaas ang kanang kamay at sumunod sa
akin". He then administers the oath.
e. After the oath taking, the VIPs shake hands with the oath takers.
The marcher then commands the oath takers to occupy their positions, which
may be: Designated seats in the grandstand, orA single line to the right of the
troop commander and staff facing the troops to witness the pass-in-review if
there is any.
Figure 13.1 AFP Oath taking
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CHAPTER 14
OPENING/CLOSING AND GRADUATION CEREMONIES
1. General. This section prescribes the standard procedures and

sequences to be adopted for the Course Opening/Closing and Ceremonies in
the conduct of any unit training.
a. Course – includes all courses, seminars and training conducted

by units.
b. Party – includes the host, guest/s, and distinguished

personalities who are supposed to have seats or places at the stage or similar
places.
3. Sequences
a. Opening Ceremony (Indoor)
1) Processional
2) Entry of colors
3) National Anthem (Mass singing)
4) Invocation
5) Presentation of Students
6) Declaration of Opening of the Course
7) Introduction of Keynote/Guest of Honor and Speaker
8) Speech
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9) Presentation of Plaque to the Guest (if any)
10) Mass Singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal
11) Exit of Colors
12) Recessional
b. Closing Ceremony (Indoor)
1) Processional
2) Entry of Colors
3) National Anthem (Mass singing)
4) Invocation
5) Opening Remarks
6) Presentation of Candidates for Graduation
7) Declaration of Graduates
8) Distribution of Certificates of Awards
9) Introduction of the Guest Speaker
10) Speech
11) Presentation Of Plague/Memento to the Guest (If any)
12) Mass Singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal
13) Exit of Colors
14) Recessional
4. Procedures
a. Opening Ceremony (Indoor)
1) Processional – This part of the program marks the entry

of the party. Here, the students arise and stand at attention. To make
simultaneous movements, a command may be necessary or any form of
signal that may serve as a cue. The party members, on the other hand,
position themselves right in front of their respective designated seats and
remains standing facing the students.
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2) Entry of Colors – Colors to be used are the national color

and unit (training unit) color.
3) Singing of National Anthem – The cue when to start the

singing of National Anthem may be given by the one designated to lead and
position himself/herself at the middle before the students. After the singing,
everybody remains standing for the invocation.
4) Invocation – the minister or the designated person who

will lead the invocation proceeds to the podium/rostrum after the singing. After
the invocation, everybody will take his/her respective seats. Again pre-arrange
signal shall be made as a cue for everybody to sit at the same time.
5) Presentation of Students – Students shall be presented to

the commander or to his representative who has the authority to declare the
opening of the course by the School Commandant or by his authorized
representative. The statement during the presentation shall include the
number of students, title of the course and the recommended date of opening.
The students rise upon presentation at a pre-arranged cue.
6) Declarations of Course Opening – At this portion the

Commander or his authorized representative declares the course open. The
moment the Commander leaves the rostrum/podium, the students in
coordinated movement sit down.
7) Introduction of the Guest Speaker – Everybody remains

seated when the guest speaker is being introduced. The moment the guest
speaker is presented, everybody rises.
8) Speech of the Guest Speaker – Everybody remains

standing unless told by the keynote/guest speaker to sit down. At the end of
his speech, everybody rises with a round of applause.
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9) Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation to the Guest/s (if

any). This portion is optional.
10) Exit of Colors
11) Recessional – Exit of the party and program ends. Take

note: the headgear shall not be taken off from invocation up to the end of
ceremony.
b. Opening Ceremony (Outdoor). The sequences and procedures

are the same except that there will be no entry and exit of colors. Colors will
be placed at the ceremonial area and the graduating class will be in mass
formation.
c. Graduation Ceremony (Indoor)
1) Processional - this is the first part of the program, which

marks the entry of the party. Here, the student’s rise and stand at attention.
The party members, upon reaching the stage, will position themselves right in
front of their respective designated seats and remain standing.
2) Entry of Colors - Colors to be used are the national color

and unit (training unit) color.
3) National Anthem - The cue when to start the singing of

National Anthem shall be given by the one designated to lead. After the
singing, everybody remains standing for the invocation.
4) Invocation - The minister or the designated person who

will lead the invocation approaches the podium/rostrum after the singing and
proceeds with the invocation. After the invocation, everybody takes their
respective seats. A pre-arranged signal will be made as a cue so that
everybody will sit down at the same time.
5) Presentation of Candidates for Graduation - The

candidates for graduation shall be presented by the School Commandant in
the case of Major Service Training Command/Center or by the training
director/s for the In-service Unit Training. The presentation statements shall
include the number of candidates and the course title among others. In this
part, the candidates rise soon as they are presented. Pre-arranged signal is
needed in order to achieve a coordinated and simultaneous movement.
6) Declaration of Graduates - The Commander or his

authorized representative, by virtue of his authority, declares the candidates
for graduation as graduates. Right after the declaration of graduates, the
graduating class gives a round of applause and then sits down.
7) Distribution of Certificates and Awards - The Adjutant or

the Administrative Officer reads the orders for those who will graduate,
followed by the giving of awards and certificates for outstanding students. The
14-4 RESTRICTED
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distribution of certificates maybe given in bunch or individually and the

sequence shall be at the option of the school or unit concerned. The awards,
however, shall be given and be received individually.
8) Introduction of the Guest Speaker - Everybody will be

seated while the guest speaker is being introduced. The moment the guest
speaker is presented, everybody rises.
9) Speech - Everybody remains standing unless told by the

guest speaker to sit down. At the end of his speech, everybody rises with a
round of applause.
10) Mass Signing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” followed by Unit

or School Hymn, if any.The one designated to lead positions himself at the
center in front of the class. After the singing, he goes back to his place.
11) Exit of Colors.
12) Recessional - End of the program.
d. Graduation Ceremony (Outdoor). Basically, the sequences and

procedures are the same except that there are no Entry and Exit of Colors.
Colors are in place at the ceremonial area before the start of the ceremonies.
5. Other Details
a. A Master of Ceremonies in this particular program is optional.
b. An OVERTURE may be tendered to the Guest of Honor and

Speaker who are mostly VIP (SND, CS, AFP, Major Service Commanders,
and the like). It is genial gesture of ingenuity by the host to the GOHAS. This
must be inserted after the processional.
c. Parade and Review. Parade and review shall only be tendered

during graduation in honor of the graduating class and also of the Guest of
Honor. The parade sequences and procedures are similar with that of giving
honors to awardees. The program proper is conducted in such manner.
However, there are modifications in the processional, the playing of National
Anthem, and the recessional. The processional is substituted with the
marching of the graduating class with the colors towards the grandstand being
led by the troop commander. In the recessional, the graduating class exits in
the manner and sequence at the option of the school or unit concerned. When
the band plays the National Anthem, everybody renders hand salute.
d. Appropriate Authorized Representative of the Commander.

Appropriate person to act as authorized representative of the Commander or
person to act in his behalf to declare the opening or to declare the graduates
are the Assistant or Deputy Commander, the Chief of Staff and the Staff for
Training or their equivalent, in that order.
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e. Cue and Signal. Cue or any form of signal must be established

to achieve a coordinated and simultaneous execution by the graduates.
14-6 RESTRICTED

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RESTRICTED

The information contained in this document is not to be communicated, either

While the concepts and guidelines embodied in this RM have been

The accreditation of this reference material is part of the Army’s

Any recommended revisions or modifications to this material shall be

The purpose of this reference material is to provide the readers,

The proponent of this reference material is the Combat Service

Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and

Section Title Page

CHAPTER 1 – CEREMONIES 1-1

CHAPTER 2 - PARADE 2-1

CHAPTER 3 – MILITARY HONOR 3-1

4-1 The Colors and Color 4-1

CHAPTER 5 – GUARD MOUNTING

5-1 Informal 5-1

CHAPTER 6 – CHANGED OF COMMAND 6-1

CHAPTER 7 - FLAG RAISING / RETREAT AND 7-1

CHAPTER 8 – WELCOME CEREMONY AND SEND OFF 8-1

CHAPTER 9 - ACTIVATION/DE-ACTIVATION OF UNITS

9-1 Activation 9-1

CHAPTER 10 - FUNERAL HONORS AND SERVICES 10-1

CHAPTER 11 – WREATHLAYING CEREMONY 11-1

CHAPTER 12 – MILITARY WEDDING 12-1

CHAPTER 13 – OATHTAKING 13-1

1. Definition. A review is an inspection of troops by a high officer or

2. Historical Background. Reviews in the Armed Forces of the

3. Purpose. Reviews are often mistaken to be the same as parades.

a. Honor a visiting high-ranking commander, officials, or dignitary

b. Present decorations and awards.

c. Honor or recognize unit or individual achievements.

It is more fitting therefore to entitle a program “ A Review in

4. General. Normally, a review is conducted with a battalion-size or larger

b. Presentation of Command and Honors.

d. Honors to the Nation.

Note: The review stage may be omitted for decorations, awards, or

Other ceremonial activities or combinations thereof, those

a. Review with decorations, awards and individual recognition

b. Review with change of command, activation, or de-activation of

c. Review with retreat.

d. Review with retreat and retirement, decorations, and awards.

e. Review with retreat and change of command, activation, or de-

f. Review and parade with all of the above combinations.

To enable himself to review his own command with a visiting

Any of the formations described for the Battalion or Brigade may

a. Battalion Formation with Companies in Line (Figure 1.1). The

b. Brigade Formation with Battalions in Line (Figure 1.2). The

c. Division Formation with Brigades in Line, Battalions in Mass

Figure 1.1 Battalion Formations with Companies in Line.

Figure 1.2 Brigade Formations with Battalions in Line.

Figure 1.3 Division Formations with Brigades in Line

The formation selected is determined by the space available and

If possible, the Distinguished Guest/Reviewing Officer (DG/RO)

1) The DG/RO, Military Host (MH), and distinguished

2) When a ceremony is conducted for an individual junior in

3) When a civilian or foreign dignitary receives the review,

MILITARY HOST DISTINGUISHED GUEST/

FLAG OF THE MILITARY FLAG OF REVIEWING