BATAC, Ilocos Norte (The Adobo Chronicles, Vigan Bureau) – Many have protested the burial of Ferdinand E. Marcos in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, but it is not only the late president’s critics and opponents who have done so.  Even Marcos’ loyal followers in the Ilocos have joined in the protests.

Now, many Ilocanos, especially the tourism officials in the province of Ilocos Norte want Marcos’ body back in Batac, where it has been kept in a refrigerated crypt for more than two decades.

Since President Duterte allowed Marcos’ burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City in November last year, tourism arrivals dropped significantly, especially right after the family closed the mausoleum, said Marc Anthony Baldoz, curator of the Marcos museum in Batac.

Only 32,903 visitors were recorded by the Marcos center from January to May this year, compared with the 131,168 visitors it drew for the same period last year, according to the Ilocos Norte tourism office.

So, take heed Marcos’ critics, you have a friend in the Ilocanos!