Ninoy Is Still An Inspiring Hero

The 37 th anniversary of the assassination of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was quietly remembered by his family, friends, and followers on Friday, Aug. 21.

- Deedee M. Siytangco

The murder of the returning senator woke up the nation to the horros and brutality of Martial Law. It was the spark that triggered the peaceful People Power uprising three years later. While it was no longer commemorated in wreath-laying ceremonies in various places in the NCR, like the NAIA terminal 1, the Rizal Park, there were Zoom masses and activities at the Ateneo de Manila, including mass in the morning, a symposium, and a noise barrage. In Tarlac, the LGUs honored him appropriately.

I remember the afternoon Ninoy was assassinated. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon and my family and I were at the Army & Navy club celebratng the sixth birthday of our youngest son AJ with clowns and balloons. Then we heard the news over the radio. Sketchy and then silence. I was enraged. Up to that time, I was apolitical. I covered lifestyle, education, religion. Politics bored me. I had met Senator Ninoy before, He was wedding sponsor of my best friend’s daughter who married his nephew. I thought him big, bold, and brash. Like any other politician.

But this was different. Assassination? In front of the world’s media? My first thought was, if “they” could do this to a known person, what more to us little ones? I rushed to the Bulletin offices to talk to Pat Gonzales, then our editor for more details.