Former President Corazon Aquino died after a 16-month battle against colon cancer, son and Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III announced to media early Saturday.
Here’s an excerpt of the statement he read to media:
Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. August 1, 2009 of cardio respiratory arrest. She would have wanted us to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and our country. Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang konting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.
Senator Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino Jr announces to reporters the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, at the lobby of Makati Medical Centre in Manila's Makati financial district August 1, 2009. REUTERS/Erik de Castro (PHILIPPINES POLITICS OBITUARY HEADSHOT)
Reacting to the news, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is now in the US, said that the country has “lost a national treasure” as she declared a 10-day period of national mourning.
Former president Fidel Ramos said in a television interview that “not only the entire Filipino nation grieves, but the whole world. Cory Aquino represented the past and the future of our people and led in the direction for a better future for our people.”
Supporters from all over the country and the world are now extending their prayers and sympathies to the country’s icon for democracy through social networks like Twitter.
Former cabinet officials who served under the former leader also extended their sympathies through local television, calling her the heroine of democracy in the Philippines.
Family friend Boy Abunda said in a television interview that Aquino’s children including Kris Aquino was with the former leader when she died.
Armed policemen and security guards were seen outside the Heritage memorial park in Manila where the body of the late Aquino was brought.
Armed policemen stand guard as a vehicle with a yellow ribbon, a gesture of mourning, waits outside the Heritage memorial park in Manila where the body of the late former Philippine president Corazon Aquino was brought to, August 1, 2009. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES OBITUARY)
In a television interview, former president Joseph Estrada said he was touched by the gesture of the former president when she apologized to him. Aquino supported the ouster of Estrada during the second People Power in 2001, which also catapulted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo into power.
Television reports said that people have started placing flowers in front of the home of the Aquinos in Quezon City.
Source: Yahoo! Southeast Asia Yodel!
Friday, July 31, 2009
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