Several groups gathered at the Plaza Miranda in Quiapo on Monday morning, Aug. 21, to commemorate the 40th death anniversary of former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said members of the Liberal Party and Sambayanan started arriving in the area at 7 a.m. to mark Ninoy Aquino Day and the 52nd anniversary of the Plaza Miranda bombing.
"Nagtipun-tipon tayo ngayon para sa 52nd anibersayo ng pagsabog ng bomba dito sa Plaza Miranda nung meeting de avance ng Partido Liberal, gabi ng Agosto 21, 1971 (We are gathered today for the 52nd anniversary of the bomb explosion here in Plaza Miranda during the meeting de avance of the Liberal Party, the night of August 21, 1971)," the groups said.
The groups also reminded the public of the tragedy in Plaza Miranda on Aug. 21, 1971, that killed nine people and left 95 people wounded with some who were rendered blind.
"Liberal tayo, patuloy tumitindig para sa indibidwal, sa karapatang pantao, sa demokrasya, sa katarungan, sa mahusay na pamumuno ng gobyerno, at sa maunlad at patas na pamumuhay (We are liberals, and we continue to stand up for the people, for human rights, democracy, justice, good governance, and prosperous and fair living)," they said.
"Sandata natin ang katotohanan, ang marangal at simpleng pamumuhay at ang ehemplo ng mga tapat at mga Pilipinong lider tulad ni Ninoy Aquino (Our weapon is the truth, a simple life, and the example of honest and true leaders like Ninoy Aquino)," they added.
The local government of Manila also held a wreath laying ceremony at Plaza Miranda at 8 a.m.
"The City of Manila is one with the country in the celebration of Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21," the city government said.
The grandson of late Ninoy Aquino, Kiko Aquino Dee, was also present.
The program ended at around 8:45 a.m. and the groups proceeded to Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City for a mass.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and some supporters of the family also gathered at Ninoy Aquino's monument in Ermita, Manila.