MANILA, Philippines — A handful of nuns, bikers and police officers were among the early visitors at the gravesite of former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino and former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on All Saints’ Day at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City.
Sisters Stella and Claire offered prayers for the Aquinos, who they fondly remember for their patriotism.
Photo by Neil Arwin Mercado/INQUIRER.net
“For us, very religious. They had done many things for our country so parang yung memory nila parang nare-remain sa amin kasi very Catholic sila (For us, they are very religious. They had done many things for the country so their memory remains for us since they are very religious).” Sister Stella shared.
“Hindi mabubura [ang legacy] kasi makikita yung pagmamahal nila hindi lang para sa kanilang sarili but pagmamahal rin nila sa taumbayan (Their legacy can never be erased since you can see their love not only for themselves but also for the Filipinos),” Sister Claire added.
Some members of the Half Century Bikers also paid a visit to the former politicians, saying that this is the fourth straight year that they have visited their graves.
Photo by Neil Arwin Mercado/INQUIRER.net
“We consider Ninoy as our hero kasi during our time, idol namin ‘yan (We consider Ninoy as our hero. During our time, he was our idol).” biker Jong De Leon said.
They said they were still in college when the EDSA Revolution happened.
“[It is] the most peaceful revolution in the history of the Philippines,” biker Bobot Ulatan said.
Some members of the police force, including National Capital Region Police Office – Southern Police District Director Brigadier General Nolasco Bathan, also stopped by while inspecting security arrangements at the memorial park.
He said conditions in cemeteries in the southern portion of Metro Manila have been generally peaceful. /gsg