President Aquino, sisters hold mass at graves of Cory, Ninoy Aquino

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III led the Aquino family in a mass at the gravesite of his parents, former President Cory Aquino and martyred opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Monday, the eve of All Saints’ Day.

His parents’ tombs, among the most-visited at the grassy memorial park, was closed to public viewing at 12 noon, and was re-opened three hours later, to allow the President and his sisters Ballsy Cruz, Pinky Abellada, Viel Dee and celebrity Kris, and their spouses and close relatives, private time for a mass.

Kris, a popular movie actress and TV host, came with her two sons, Joshua and James.

The curious crowd took advantage of the Aquinos’ presence by taking photos of themselves — with the Aquino family in the background.

President Aquino waved at the crowd, shook hands with some before leaving his parents’ tomb escorted by the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

In a talk with media, Kris Aquino said she was appreciative of the people who visited her parents’ tomb. She said it meant the people remembered her parents’ sacrifices to restore democracy in the Philippines.

The crowd, which kept their respectful distance, while the Aquinos were holding mass, surged back to the tombs to pray, and pose for the cameras, when the grave site was reopened to the public.

For the complete report, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM (Edited for the Inquirer by Fe B. Zamora)