On the 41st anniversary of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s assassination, his family and supporters commemorated his unwavering patriotism, recalling his return to the Philippines despite threats to his life.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, former senator Bam Aquino, Ninoy’s nephew, reflected on his uncle’s sacrifice, saying, “Let us remember that Ninoy Aquino demonstrated his patriotism by choosing to stand with the Filipino people in their fight for the Philippines, even at the cost of his life, because deep in his heart, ‘The Filipino is worth dying for.'”
The Aquino family held a memorial Mass at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, where both Ninoy and his widow, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, are laid to rest.
Ninoy Aquino was assassinated on August 21, 1983, at what is now known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as he stepped off the plane that brought him back to the country. His death, as a vocal critic of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., sparked the People Power Revolution that ultimately led to the ousting of the Marcos regime three years later.
In Concepcion, Tarlac, the Aquino family’s hometown, another Mass was held in his honor. During the event, Ninoy’s grandson, Kiko Aquino Dee, urged Filipinos to emulate his grandfather’s love for the nation. “Today’s challenge for us is to discover our love for our fellow Filipinos, akin to how we love ourselves. More than giving up his life, this is the example that Lolo Ninoy wanted us to follow,” he said.
The local government of Concepcion also marked the occasion with a wreath-laying ceremony at Ninoy’s statue on the municipal grounds. Meanwhile, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines paid tribute by offering flowers at his monument at NAIA.
Earlier, the Aquino family emphasized Ninoy’s pivotal role in the February 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. This year’s observance of Ninoy Aquino Day was moved to August 23 by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who cited the need to promote domestic tourism with the long weekend.