Urban poor group in Negros Occidental holds prayer, flower offering to honor Ninoy Aquino

At least 150 members of the Federation Of Urban Poor remember former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Photo by Carla P. Gomez / Inquirer Visayas

CEBU CITY – At least 150 members of the Federation of Urban Poor (FED UP) in Negros Occidental held a prayer and flower offering at Ninoy Aquino’s Monument on Araneta Street near the old Bacolod airport about 6 a.m. on Tuesday to commemorate the death anniversary of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

“The celebration is to give honor, respect and unending gratitude to Ninoy Aquino who had given his life to restore freedom and democracy in our country then. Now is our turn to defend that freedom and democracy which is under threat with this abusive Duterte administration,” said Joy Jarabelo, FED UP provincial coordinator.

She said President Duterte does not understand the rule of law because, for him, he is the law.

“He is supposed to defend democracy and implement the law, but it is clear he does not understand democracy. Right before our eyes, there are extrajudicial killings, no more due process, there is no more check and balance in the three branches of our government,” Jarabelo added.