Philippines: Ex-President Benigno Aquino dies age 61

Popularly called "Noynoy," Aquino was the only son of the late former president Corazon Aquino and her assassinated husband, senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino — both hailed for leading the struggle to restore democracy in the archipelago nation.

"Ninoy" Aquino was shot dead by military personnel at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from exile in the US to lead the democracy movement against dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The assassination fueled the Philippines’ non-violent "People Power" movement that overthrew Marcos.

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Corazon spearheaded the revolution and succeeded Marcos as president in 1986.

In 1987, rebel soldiers attacked the presidential palace in a failed coup attempt against her. Benigno Aquino was struck with five bullets.

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Aquino came to power with broad public support after the death of his mother in 2009. He ran on an anti-corruption platform and ushered in economic reforms in his term.

Aquino was also known for filing a landmark arbitration case against China over the disputed South China Sea.