Aquino orders Philippine flag flown at half mast on Ambassador Lucenario’s interment

Philippine Air Force (PAF) honor guards carry the remains of Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario that arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on board a Pakistan Air Force aircraft Wednesday morning (May 13, 2015). Lucenario died in a chopper crash in northern Pakistan on May 8. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered that the Philippine flag be flown at half mast, from sunrise to sunset, in the Department of Foreign Affairs Main Office, its Foreign Service Posts and Regional Consular Offices, on the day of Ambassador Domingo Lucenario, Jr.’s burial on Saturday (May 16).

The Chief Executive issued the order through Proclamation No. 1020, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. on Wednesday (May 13), as a sign of respect, honor and recognition for Ambassador Lucenario’s exemplary service to the country.

Lucenario served as Philippine envoy to Pakistan and was instrumental in maintaining relations with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgzstan, and Tajikistan.

He had been part of the diplomatic corps since 1986 and had served in various posts, particularly in Germany, Australia, Hong Kong. He was also former ambassador to various African countries.

In recognition of his dedication to public service, Lucenario was awarded the Order of Sikatuna, Order of Lakandula, and the Gawad Mabini.

The May 8 helicopter crash in Pakistan prematurely ended Lucenario’s life.

The incident also resulted in the death of Norway’s ambassador to Pakistan, the wives of the Indonesian and Malaysian ambassadors, two Pakistani pilots, and a Pakistani crew member.