hi sirs, im new here, nice to be part of this forum.

I heard from the news that the the rapper Francis Magalona (RIP) got military rites, a gun salute and his widow was even given a philippine flag when he died, for "his patriotism and being an army reservist with the rank of sargeant"

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/to...se-for-Magalona

I'd like to clarify, are "ordinary" reservists (say, the guy who bakes pan de sal at your neighborhood bakery who happens to be an ROTC graduate) entitled to the same recognition when they pass away (while not in the line of duty)?

although he is not as high-profile as Francis M., he may also be fiercely patriotic in his own little way (e.g. voting in every election, obeying laws and paying correct taxes) which satisfies both reasons cited for giving military rites to the rapper ("patriotism and being an army reservist").

thus, can he expect to get all the above recognition? or just some of them (maybe only the flag, on his casket?) or none?

im sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, but I haven't found any satisfactory answer elsewhere.

Thank you in advance for your replies gentlemen.

Welcome to PDFF bro...

As I understand it, the late Francis M was accorded military honors primarily because he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit.

We have done this to active Reservists in our unit upon request of said personnel and his family prior to his/her death. I'm not sure about Francis, but if you observed during the wake, there were Army Reservists in the area. Probably arranged and courtesy of his friend and officer, COL Herbert Bautista plus as pointed out by sewer rat, due to his recent Presidential Medal of Merit Award.