A Moment That Never Should've Happened: Ninoy Aquino Day

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. (1932 - 1983)

Hello Again Readers!

        August 21st is Ninoy Aquino Day, marking 31 years since his assassination. Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was as a prominent critic of the Marcos regime, whose unconstitutional rule declared martial law. His political dissidence led to incarceration, as predictable in any autocracy. Fortunately, he was granted an exile to the United States due to medical purposes, but he would not be allowed return to the Philippines. After three years, he did just that, despite impending imprisonment. Many Filipinos believed that upon his arrival, Marcos was destined to fall. Sadly, things turned for the worst as Ninoy disembarked his plane, leaving him vulnerable in the open. He was shot behind the head.
       Most of the public suspects Marcos responsible for the brutal murder, if not his wife Imelda. If the killing was arranged by the government, its effects were backfiring, as many Filipinos protested in outrage. They took to the streets peacefully, following the nonviolent approach encouraged by their deceased leader Ninoy. The dictatorship toppled, and the widowed Corazon Aquino would establish a democracy that was non-existent during martial law.

Miguel

A wounded Ninoy is carried to safety.