Senator Bam Aquino led the Aquino family in commemorating the 42nd death anniversary of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who was assassinated on August 21, 1983.
The senator, together with his daughter Rory, first visited Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 — the very spot where Ninoy was gunned down by alleged assassin Rolando Galman upon his return from exile in the United States.
📷: Senator Bam Aquino
The family then proceeded to Ninoy’s grave at the Manila Memorial Park, where he lies beside his wife, former President Cory Aquino, and their son, the late President Noynoy Aquino.
📷: Senator Bam Aquino
In his message, Senator Aquino urged Filipinos to never forget the sacrifice of his uncle, who gave his life for the restoration of democracy after the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law in 1972.
“Mula sa sakripisyo ni Tito Ninoy, nawa’y patuloy nating ipaglaban ang katotohanan, katarungan, kapayapaan at kalayaan,” Aquino said.
He added: “Huwag tayong matakot tumindig at lumaban para sa ating bayan.”
Meanwhile, Ninoy’s grandson Kiko Aquino-Dee stood firm that reconciliation with the Marcoses will never happen without accountability.
📷: The Philippine Star
“There’s no reconciliation without justice,” Aquino-Dee said bluntly.
It will be recalled that in a message, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called for unity among Filipinos in commemorating the anniversary of Aquino’s assassination.
Marcos Jr. is the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the well-known political rivals of Ninoy and Cory Aquino.