Bam Aquino: Ninoy's death was result of his love for country

Senator Bam Aquino on Thursday called on Filipinos to continue fighting for freedom and justice as he paid tribute to his uncle, late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., on his 42nd death anniversary.

In a Facebook post, Bam recalled his memories with Ninoy when the latter was still imprisoned and until he was assassinated at the Manila International Airport—now named in his honor—on August 21, 1983.

"Nang pinili niyang umuwi noong 1983, alam niyang mapanganib, alam niyang maaari siyang makulong o mapatay. Pero pinili pa rin niya. Sapagkat para sa kanya, mas mahalaga ang makasama ang sariling bayan kaysa manatili sa Amerika na ligtas at mapayapa," Bam Aquino said. 

(When he decided to go back to the Philippines in 1983, he knew it was dangerous. He knew he could be imprisoned or killed. But he still chose to go home. Because for him, it is more important to be in his own country than to stay in America where it is safe and peaceful.) 

"Kaya't ang kanyang pagkamatay ay hindi lang basta dahil sa bala, ito'y bunga ng pinakamalalim na pagmamahal sa bayan. Hanggang ngayon, iyon ang pinakamalaking alaala niya para sa akin. Ang tunay na pamumuno ay nakaugat sa pagmamahal—sa Diyos, sa pamilya, at higit sa lahat, sa bayan," he added. 

(Ninoy's death was not just because of a bullet, it was the result of his deepest love for the Filipinos. To this day, that is his greatest memory for me. True leadership is rooted in love—for God, for family, and most of all, for the people.) 

Ninoy Aquino was a staunch critic of late former President Ferdinand Marcos, father of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

The elder Marcos was succeeded by Ninoy's widow, Corazon Aquino, following the EDSA People Power Revolution in February 1986.

Bam Aquino on Thursday morning led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 to commemorate the 42nd death anniversary of his uncle. 

"Kung si Tito Ninoy, sa pinakamadilim na bahagi ng kanyang buhay at ng ating kasaysayan, ay hindi bumitaw sa pag-asa, paano pa tayo ngayon? Sa hirap o ginhawa, sa gulo man o katahimikan, tandaan natin: Yes, the Filipino is worth dying for and worth fighting for. Tuloy ang laban," the incumbent senator said. 

(If Uncle Ninoy didn't lose hope during the darkest time of his life and our history, what about us now? In times of hardship or comfort, in chaos or silence, let's remember: Yes, the Filipino is worth dying for and worth fighting for. The fight will continue.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News