Former first lady Imelda Marcos is looking for a suitable burial place for her husband, former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, in Ilocos, the northern Philippines, a local paper said.

He died more than 12 years ago while in exile in Hawaii in 1989.

The Marcos burial may coincide with his birthday commemoration on September 11 as suggested by several members and supporters of the Marcos family, said the Star.

A resident of Sarrat town where Marcos was born has offered a part of his land for the burial site, when he heard that Imelda was looking for a burial place for the ex-dictator.

She wanted a place where his followers could visit the grave. Most residents in Ilocos have remained loyal to Marcos.

Imelda is more interested in a site in Suba village in Laoag City. It is a scenic site located on high ground and overlooking the China Sea.

"It is strongly being considered by Mrs. Marcos," said the Star.

The area is near the seaside residence of Ilocos Norte Governor Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Congresswoman Imee Marcos, the eldest daughter, earlier said her family is looking for a high burial ground for her father's resting place and added that a grand place would befit his stature.

Imelda made the same confirmation in one of the radio interviews she granted in Ilocos recently. But she did not give details.

The Marcos family has been trying to revive Marcos's place in history.

In 1998, former president Joseph Estrada almost agreed to the request of Imelda that the remains of her husband should be buried at the National Heroes' Cemetery in Makati's Fort Bonifacio. Anti-Marcos activists opposed the plan.