15 September 1984: A Day to Remember
The assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.
On 15 September 1984, a event shook the Philippines when Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., a prominent opposition leader, was assassinated at the Manila International Airport. This event marked a turning point in the country's history and had a significant impact on the lives of Filipinos.
The political climate
In the early 1980s, the Philippines was ruled by President Ferdinand Marcos, who had been in power since 1965. Marcos had declared martial law in 1972, and his regime was marked by corruption, human rights abuses, and widespread poverty. Aquino, a senator and a vocal critic of Marcos, had been in exile in the United States since 1980.
The assassination
On 15 September 1984, Aquino returned to the Philippines, determined to challenge Marcos' regime. As he stepped off the plane at Manila International Airport, he was met with a hail of bullets. The assassination was carried out by a group of military personnel, allegedly on the orders of Marcos.
The aftermath
Aquino's death sparked widespread outrage and mourning across the Philippines. The event galvanized the opposition movement, and tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest against Marcos' regime. The assassination also drew international condemnation, and the Marcos regime was increasingly isolated.
The legacy of Ninoy Aquino
Benigno Aquino Jr.'s assassination galvanized the Filipino people to demand change. His wife, Corazon Aquino, would go on to become the President of the Philippines in 1986, following the People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos' regime. Ninoy Aquino's sacrifice is remembered as a symbol of courage and resistance against tyranny.
Conclusion
The assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. on 15 September 1984 was a pivotal moment in Philippine history. It marked a turning point in the struggle against Marcos' regime and paved the way for the country's transition to democracy. Today, Ninoy Aquino's legacy continues to inspire Filipinos to fight for freedom, justice, and human rights.
