Filipinos observe today, August 21, 2020 the 37th death anniversary of national hero and former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
Aquino was assassinated August 21, 1983 by soldiers of the Avsecom sent to secure him upon his return from the United States at the Manila International Airport, now renamed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
He came home after a heart bypass operation “to persuade Ferdinand Marcos in preparing for a peaceful transition of power.” Marcos then was widely believed suffering from a debilitating disease.
Ninoy Aquino’s death sparked a series of nationwide protests culminating in the EDSA People Power Revolution of February 22-25, 1986 which ousted the dictator from power.*
