NCRPO: Commemoration of Ninoy Aquino death anniversary generally peaceful
KRISTINE SABILLO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Except for pockets of anti-corruption rallies in Makati and Quezon City, the commemoration of the 31st death anniversary of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Thursday was generally peaceful with no untoward incidents reported, the police said.
Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, told INQUIRER.net over the phone that as of 3 p.m., no crime or troublesome incidents were reported in Metro Manila.
“There are no untoward incidents except the lightning rallies. In Makati City, 300 members of a group against corruption gathered there,” Valmoria said.
Earlier Thursday, various groups held a protest against corruption and political dynasties near the Ninoy Aquino Monument along Ayala Avenue. Some also called for a special investigation of the Commission on Audit (COA) on the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall building.
In Quezon City, Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino monument on Timog Avenue.
But while the ceremony was ongoing, protesters from human rights groups Karapatan, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Sanlakas, and Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda) tried to penetrate the blockade set up by the police near the residence of the President on Times Street.
The rallyists opposed against calls for Aquino’s term extension.
“No one was hurt in the demonstration. The rallyists were dispersed even before lunch time,” Valmoria said.
In Pasay City, Vice President Jejomar Binay and some relatives of the late Aquino patriarch went to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) terminal 1 tarmac, where Aquino was assassinated in 1983.
A mass honoring Aquino was also attended by Binay, who received earlier in the day a Ninoy Aquino Memorial medal of valor by the Ninoy Aquino Movement (NAM).
For his part, Senior Superintendent Ariel Andrade, Parañaque City Police chief, the commemoration was carried out peacefully at the Manila Memorial Park, where the hero was laid to rest since his death on August 21, 1983.
President Benigno Aquino III and siblings Kris Aquino, Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino- Abellada, and Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee. Kris’s children Josh and Bimby gathered for a mass in Manila Memorial.
Officials who joined the mass include Senate President Franklin Drilon, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, and Congresswoman Gina De Venecia.
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