Aquino leads rite to rebury president at heroes cemetery

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has led ceremonies to transfer the cremated remains of a Philippine president, who died 60 years ago, to a heroes' cemetery, where he has steadfastly refused to allow the burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Aquino led a national tribute, including a 21-gun salute, Monday for the late President Elpidio Quirino, whose remains were reinterred from a Manila graveyard to the heroes' cemetery, which is reserved for presidents, war veterans, statesmen and national artists.

Quirino served as president from 1948 to 1953 and oversaw Philippine reconstruction after World War II.

Aquino has refused to allow the burial of Marcos, who was overthrown in a 1986 "people power" revolt after a two-decade reign tarnished by allegations of massive human rights violations and plunder. Marcos died in 1989.