Netizens question why military carried Christine Dacera’s coffin

Many netizens reacted and questioned why military personnel carried the coffin of Christine Dacera, the 23-year-old flight attendant who was found dead in a hotel on January 1.

Christine was laid to rest on Sunday, January 10, in General Santos City where is from.

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The Philippine Marine Corps explained that no military honors or ceremonies were provided during Dacera’s burial.

“No military honors were rendered during the burial of Ms. Christine Dacera. No ceremonies, no flag-draped casket, no volleys of fire that constitute interment honor,” Philippine Marine Corps Commandant MGen. Ariel Caculitan said in a statement.

He added that uniformed personnel present in the burial were not active military officials but were reservists requested by Christine’s mother Sharon Dacera, who is a Marine reservist.

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The reservists were there to assist in security and crowd control matters amid concerns regarding COVID-19 transmissions during a mass gathering.

Caculitan said the commander of the 12th Regional Community Defense Group granted Sharon Dacera’s request.

“Wala din naman bawal kung nag-assist sila magbuhat kung makakatulong,” Caculitan said, adding no military regulation or policy was violated.

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(There is nothing against assisting in carrying (the casket) if it would help.)

Christine Dacera laid to rest

Christine’s father cried over her daughter’s coffin before her 23-year-old flight attendant was placed in the pit.

Christine’s mother, Sharon, is grieving because Christine’s dreams for the family have disappeared with her.

“Alam niyo bakit siya naging flight attendant? Her dream for us is gusto niya lang ma-tour nang libre sa buong mundo,” said Mrs. Dacera.

Christine welcomed the New Year with friends at a hotel but was found unconscious in the bathroom.

She was rushed to the hospital but was also declared dead on arrival.

“Ang amin lang gawin ang lahat ng makakaya bigyan ng justice at walang madadamay na inosente,” said Christine Dacera’s aunt Rhona Rosario.

“Naiiintidihan ko din ‘yon sa side ng kabila, may ipinaglalaban din sila pero siyempre ang tanong lang namin, bakit namatay?” she added.

The results of the second autopsy on Christine Dacera’s remains are expected to be released within a week.