Aquino, Philippine Ex-leader Who Challenged China, Is Buried
Military honour guards during a public viewing for Benigno Aquino at the Church of Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University in Manila on June 25.
Photographer: Mark Cristino/AFP/Getty Images
Manila, Philippines (AP) -- Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was buried Saturday with thousands lining the streets of Manila to remember him for standing up to China in bitter territorial disputes, striking a peace deal with Muslim guerrillas and defending democracy in the Southeast Asian nation where his parents helped topple a dictator.
Aquino died Thursday at age 61 of kidney disease arising from diabetes following a long public absence, after his single, six-year term ended in 2016. Family and friends sang a patriotic song after a silver urn with Aquino's remains was placed beside the tomb of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino. Military honors included a 21-gun salute at the private cemetery.