Noynoy, Lim to lead rites for Ninoy's death anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim will lead today’s activities marking the 26th death anniversary of the late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

Lim said a simple wreath-laying ceremony will be held at Ninoy’s monument at the corner of Burgos Drive and Roxas Boulevard, to be attended by key city officials and members of the Aquino clan.

He said Manila’s major roads will be decorated with yellow ribbons and streamers, symbolizing the fight for democracy led by Ninoy and then taken up by his widow, the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

In commemorating Ninoy’s assassination, Lim called on the youth to emulate the selfless dedication showed by the Aquino couple.

Lim said the monument, which featured a slimmer Ninoy, was based on a photo taken of the former senator right after he ended a month-long hunger strike he staged while he was in jail. The photo was supplied by Cory.

Lim said a monument for Cory is underway and will be built beside Ninoy’s. The choice of which photo to use and the sculptor who will build the monument depends on the family, he said.

He said the money spent on Ninoy’s statue and the projected expenses for Cory’s monument will come from his own pocket.

Police ready for rally, tomb visits

Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Jaime Calungsud said yesterday the SPD will deploy the normal number of personnel for today’s rally at Ninoy’s monument along Ayala Avenue.

Supporters of Ninoy and Cory are also expected to visit their tombs at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

“Let’s avoid mentioning numbers. We will have normal deployment of security in the area. Sufficient enough. But we will be ready if there will be illegal public rally,” Calungsud said.

Makati police chief Superintendent Cedric Train said they will not reroute traffic since the prayer rally is expected to be confined to the area around Ninoy’s monument.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay urged rally participants to wear yellow clothes for today’s prayer rally. Binay was one of the first officials appointed by Cory when she assumed power. He was named officer-in-charge of Makati, which was then a municipality. – Sandy Araneta, Jose Rodel Clapano