Groups oppose hero's burial for ex-Sen Enrile citing rights violations

Several human rights groups and individuals opposed the burial of former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, asserting he did not deserve a hero's honor due to his alleged role in human rights violations during Martial Law.

Victims' groups cite that under Enrile's tenure as defense minister, an estimated 70,000 individuals were illegally detained, 35,000 tortured, 3,000 extrajudicially killed, and at least 700 forcibly disappeared.

These groups further state that Enrile never showed remorse, instead justifying Martial Law and his involvement in the authoritarian regime.

Despite opposition, former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile was laid to rest with full honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers stated that conferring hero status on Enrile is part of an effort to 'rehabilitate' his name for his role in martial law atrocities.

Enrile was given full military honors and buried in a section reserved for presidents, Cabinet officials, national artists, and national scientists.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. was the highest-ranking official at the burial.

Former senator Gregorio Honasan, who plotted a coup in 1986 to topple the first Marcos administration with Enrile, also paid his respects.