Four honor guards who escorted the casket bearing former Philippine president Corazon Aquino stood motionless during the nine-hour and 12-mile funeral procession of the departed leader Wednesday.

Police officer Danilo Malab Jr., 25, army soldier Antonio Cadiente, 23, air force officer Gener Laguindan, 24, and navy officer Edgardo Rodriguez, 37, endured thirst, hunger, rain and the discomfort of not peeing during the unexpected lengthy procession from a church in Manila to a cemetery in Paranaque City.

At the end of the procession joined by thousands of Aquino supporters, the four immediately went to portable toilets to relieve themselves before eating packed meals unmindful of the praises coming their way.

After the event, the four received honors from their commanders, colleagues, government officials and the public for the extraordinary feat they said they managed to do because of their stamina, discipline, the honor and privilege the difficult task brought to them, the high expectations of their superiors to accomplish the mission and their high respect for their former commander-in-chief, who passed away Saturday after a lingering bout with colon cancer.

The escort duty started at 11 a.m. Wednesday with the four eating only a light breakfast. They got off the truck that transported Aquino's casket at past 8 p.m.

Rodriguez told reporters they ignored food and water offered to them and sipped rain water dripping from their faces. He said they moved their fingers and toes without the public noticing.

Malab got a promotion after the task and the other three honor guards are expected to be promoted as well. Their respective commands are also preparing commendations and medals of honors for them and the other officers who performed ceremonial duties during the funeral procession.