Events marking Ninoy's death anniversary 'peaceful'

MANILA, Philippines - Various events commemorating the 26th death anniversary of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. yesterday was relatively peaceful, Metro police chief Director Roberto Rosales said.

Rosales said they closely monitored the culminating event, a prayer rally at the Aquino monument along Ayala Avenue in Makati City “to prevent any groups from taking advantage of the situation.”

Those sighted in the prayer rally were former Makati City congressman Agapito Aquino, Peping Cojuangco and former Vice President Teofisto Guingona.

“As of now the Aquino death anniversary celebration is peaceful,” said Rosales, adding, “And we received no report of major crime incidents in Metro Manila during the day.”

The celebration started with a noon Mass at the EDSA Shrine, with Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele and Senior Mandaluyong police chief Superintendent Carlos de Sagun as among those who attended.

The group of Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza and former senator Sergio Osmeña led about 500 persons, including survivors, to commemorate the Aug. 21, 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing.

Aquino was supposed to attend the proclamation of the Liberal Party bets when the bomb exploded.

At another Aquino monument at the corner of P. Burgos Drive and Roxas Boulevard, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim led a ceremony to commemorate Aquino’s death.

Lim announced that the Lambingan bridge and a 10-story public hospital, which is being built on the old site of the Trinity Hospital, at Sta. Ana will be named after the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino as a way of honoring her selfless dedication to the country.

The affair was attended by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita of the EDSA People Power Commission; Aquino daughter Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Abellada and grandchild Rafa Lopa; Agapito Aquino and sisters Maur Lichauco and former senator Tessie Oreta; and Cory’s former secretary and Spirit of EDSA treasurer Margie Juico, among others.

Lim said Cory’s statue, which will be built beside her husband’s, will be unveiled on her birth anniversary on Jan. 25 next year.

He added that naming Lambingan bridge after Cory is inspired by the undying love the Aquino couple had for each other.

Prior to this, Lim also named a public high school and a public playground, both in Baseco, Tondo, after Cory. – Non Alquitran, Sandy Araneta