MANILA, Philippines — The sacrifice of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was remembered during his 41st death anniversary yesterday.
The Aquino family, other personalities and supporters joined a mass at the Aquino mausoleum at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque as part of the commemoration.
Attendees included former senator Bam Aquino and peace advocate Teresita Deles, who recalled Aquino’s legacy of courage, sacrifice and his crucial role in the fight for Philippine democracy.
His assassination on Aug. 21, 1983 galvanized the nation and led to the peaceful 1986 people power revolt that ousted the Marcos dictatorship.
Members of the August 21 Movement held a program at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 to remember the late senator’s martyrdom.
August 21 Movement president Volt Bohol, Cecille Guidote Alvarez of the Chino Roces Foundation, Rebecca Quijano, Karl Patrick Suyat, Jose Manuel Diokno, Patrich Claudio and Alvin Alcid of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines attended the program.
On Aug. 21, 1983, Aquino was killed on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport as he arrived in the Philippines after a three-year self-imposed exile in the United States.