Eulogy Speech of Inspector Melchor 'Mel' Mamaril

Among the 19 speeches, my favorite was Teddy Boy Locsin's speech. I also liked De Quiros's and Maur Aquino's. But, the peoples choice has to be the one delivered by Inspector Mamaril. I heard people describe it as the the most touching of the eulogies.

Inspector Mamaril was a security aide of 23 years for Pres. Cory Aquino. He was one of the subjects of Kris's interview with The Buzz last Sunday. He and the other security aide were allegedly being pulled-out by Malacanang since July.

It is great to read his speech. But it is a completely different experience to watch him deliver it.

Below is the summary of his speech and then the link to the video clip below.


“She shall always remain engraved in our hearts. Thank you, We love you. Goodbye,” Inspector Mamaril said.

As Mamaril was delivering his speech in Filipino, Kris Aquino could be seen crying. If you saw the 'The Buzz' interview, you would understand why she was deeply affected. Mel Mamaril was one of two security aides of President Cory Aquino for over 2 decades. According to the interview, Kris mentioned that the 2 escorts are being pulled out by the givernment. GMA thru Serge Remonde denied this and cited 'procedural problems", but did not really intend for this to happen.

“I stand now with a deep sense of pride and gratitude as I bid goodbye to her whom I owe so much. My wife Judy and my four children, join me in paying our last respect to one who has become big part of our lives and one who considered us as part of her family,” Mamaril said.
Mamaril said Mrs. Aquino never made him feel like a mere employee but treated him like a son, a family member.

He related one unforgettable memory of Mrs. Aquino’s kindness in 1998. After a long days travel, the President personally prepared noodles for her security aides.

“That’s how Ma’am Cory was. She takes care of people around her no matter how big or small, She treated us not as mere employees but like a mother tending to a son after a hard day’s work,” Mamaril said.

“I feel a sense of wonder and at the same time, I realized that her treatment raised my dignity as a person. She gave me self-respect, self worth and self confidence,” Mamaril said.
“And even when she lay dying in bed, she was always very concerned about us. She would always ask if we had eaten already,” Mamaril said.

“One could always see her compassionate heart for all those in need,” Mamaril said.
He also said that Mrs. Aquino also drew him closer to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“I can always remember those times when we have to go to churches. In those times he brought me to prayer and closer to God. I am praying the rosary now,” Mamaril said.

“She exhibited a deep sense of prayer, devotion that I believe was the foundation of her being a person of dignity and uprightness,” he said.

Mamaril also thanked the Aquino family, enumerating each of the Aquino siblings, and calling Kris Aquino their defender.

“We are all with you in prayer, may God continue to bless us all,” Mamaril said

If you want to see the clip, this link will take you to the abs-cbn site.