Antique marks 39th death anniversary of Gov. Evelio Javier with politicians in attendance
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY – Politicians trooped to the 39th death anniversary of Gov. Evelio Javier at the Freedom Park in San Jose, Antique, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, less than three months before the elections.

FORMER Antique Gov. Exequiel 'Boy Ex' Javier (second from left), gubernatorial candidate Paolo Javier, and Rep. AA Legarda raise their hands in front of the statue of Gov. Evelio Javier on Tuesday. (Anini-y, Antique SB Member Arvin Salmite FB)
Among those present at the wreath-laying ceremony was Evelio’s nephew Paolo, a former congressman who is running for governor. Paolo was accompanied by his father, Exequiel “Boy Ex,” who served as governor or congressman from 1987-2016.
Joining them was Antique Rep. AA Legarda, the younger brother of Sen. Loren Legarda.
Exequiel, Paolo, and Legarda were seen raising their hands in front of Javier’s statue.
Also seen at the event were Vice Gov. Ed Denosta and Provincial Board Member Rony Molina.
Javier’s assassination in 1986 was one of the key events that triggered the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Evelio was a political ally of the late President Corazon Aquino. He was shot and killed at the town plaza while awaiting the results of the canvassing of votes for the snap presidential elections.
Evelio’s death anniversary is a non-working holiday in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo provinces as well as the city of Iloilo since 1993 thru Republic Act No. 7601.