Aquino leads Rizal Day rites

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III led the commemoration of the 115^th death anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal with a flag ceremony and wreath-laying rites in Manila Friday, according to a report on Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Rizal was executed by the Spanish colonizers on Dec. 30, 1896.

The flag-raising ceremony was held simultaneously with those performed in other parts of the country, the report said.

Aquino also unveiled the Rizal Fountain marker at the Noli Me Tangere Garden.

Among those who joined President Aquino were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Manila Mayor Alfredo Li, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, and members of Rizal’s clan, among them, descendants of the national hero’s siblings – Paciano (Marlene Jacinto), Maria (Mia Syquia Faustman), Saturnina (Ma. Luisa Tinio Bayot) and Lucia (Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Teresita Herbosa).