THAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON Ninoy Aquino’s body is hoisted by airport security personnel who had escorted him upon his arrival in Manila on Aug. 21, 1983. They would later be charged with his murder. —RECTO MERCENE
MANILA, Philippines — The death of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was the beacon that sparked the Edsa revolution that ended Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s 14-year dictatorship, and forced him and his family to flee to Hawaii, said Liberal Party President and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman.
On Ninoy Aquino Day, Lagman remembered the late senator, assassinated on August 21, 1983, upon his return from exile. The Liberal Party, of which Aquino was a member, had opposed Marcos Sr. regime.
“He had a grim premonition of his impending death when he decided to come home and confront the dictator. But he risked his life just the same,” said Lagman in a statement.
The lawmaker said that Aquino’s killing in broad daylight highlighted the brutality of Marcos’ regime. However, he believed that it accelerated the country’s liberation.
“His death did not only galvanize the opposition, it also united various anti-Marcos groups that previously differed in their approach in ousting the dictator, and resulted in cohesive and consistent mass actions. It solidified the already intense anti-Marcos sentiments among Filipinos,” said Lagman.
“Ninoy Aquino’s death was the shining beacon that lighted the path at Edsa, culminating in the people’s overthrow of the dictator Marcos,” he said.
Marcos Sr. and Aquino’s sons would rise to the presidency in the years following their respective deaths.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had lauded Aquino’s willingness to fight for his beliefs but urged Filipinos to move past political barriers and unite.