ILOILO CITY – The province of Antique commemorated on Saturday, Feb. 11, the 37th anniversary of the assassination of Gov. Evelio Javier.
A simple wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Freedom Park where he was shot and a statue now stands in San Jose de Buenavista, the capital town of Antique.
“Filipinos still revere Javier as the ‘Unsung Hero’ of Panay (Island) for his courage and commitment to fighting for justice and the truth,” said the official Facebook page of the provincial government of Antique.
Only Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta attended the tribute for Javier, fondly called by residents as “Beloy.” Gov. Rhodora Cadiao was not present and the reason for her absence was not disclosed.
The death of Javier, an ally of the President Corazon Aquino, on Feb. 11, 1986 is often considered to be one of the last major incidents that ignited the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution that toppled President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
Javier’s death anniversary was a non-working holiday in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo as well as this city since 1993 by virtue of Republic Act No. 7601.