Palace orders DFA to fly flags at half-mast to honor PHL envoy killed in Pakistan

Remains of Ambassador Domingo Lucenario Jr. arrive in PHL
Remains of Ambassador Domingo Lucenario Jr. arrive in PHL. The remains of Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario Jr., who was killed in a Pakistan helicopter crash, arrive at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City early Wednesday morning, May 13. Lucenario and the Norwegian ambassador to Pakistan were killed in the crash that also injured several diplomats. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the crash but Pakistan said it is still investigating what caused the crash.Danny Pata
Malacañang has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to fly its flags at half-mast on Saturday to honor the late Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario Jr., who was killed in a helicopter crash last Friday.
 
On Wednesday, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. issued Proclamation No. 1020 directing the DFA to lower flags at its main office, its foreign service posts and regional consular offices on Saturday, the day of Lucenario’s interment.
 
The proclamation said this gesture will be “a sign of respect, honor and recognition for his [Lucenario’s] exemplary service to the Republic of the Philippines].

 
Lucenario was killed last Friday when the helicopter he was riding en route to an inspection of development projects crashed in north Pakistan. 
 
Also killed in the incident, which was reportedly caused by technical fault, were Norwegian Ambassador Leif Larsen, the wives of the ambassadors of Malaysia and Indonesia, the two pilots and a crew member.
 
Lucenario served the Philippine government as a career diplomat for 35 years. He was the recipient of three prestigious government awards: the Order of Sikatuna Award, the Order of Lakandula Award, and the Gawad Mabini Award. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News

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