21 August, 1983

TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY:

Former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino Jr. was assassinated at the Manila International Airport upon returning home from a three-year self-exile in the United States.The murder sparked a series of protests from an enraged nation that culminated in the February 22-25, 1986 EDSA People Power Revolt, forcing then President Ferdinand E. Marcos to flee to Hawaii.  His widow, Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino, as a result took over the presidency.

In his honor, the Manila International Airport was renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

On February 25, 2004, the Philippine Congress has enacted Republic Act No. 9256, declaring August 21 of every year, the anniversary of his death, as an annual public holiday. Several monuments have also been built in his honor.

(Ref: Philippine News Agency; Photo taken (on TV courtesy of RPN) by Jon Voltaire B. Aquino)