Aquino protests rock Manila

by Cristina Odone
THE SECOND anniversary of Benign() Aquino's assassination has sparked a week of unrest in the Philippines, culminating in over 60,000 people demonstrating in Manila, and in a violent attack on President Ferdinand Marcos by the Catholic Primate, Cardinal Jaime Sin.
Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila, in his homily during a Mass commemorating Senor Aquino's murder, blamed President Marcos for the country's violence, because "no guilt has been confessed, no role has been acknowledged, no responsibility has been accepted" for the killing of the opposition senate.
The cardinal also claimed that his effort towards a reconciliation with the government have been frustrated. Representatives of both moderate and militant factions attended the morning Mass.
Meanwhile, in the biggest anti-government protest in a year, over 60,000 Filipinos took to the streets of Manila, calling for an end to the 20-year rule of the Marcos regime. Another demonstration, with over 5,000 participants, took place in the city of Cebu, Sixteen protesters and four soldiers were injured.
Benign() Aquino, the popular opposition leader whom many thought could challenge President Marcos, was shot to death on August 21, 1983. Three generals, 22 other soldiers and one civilian are presently on trial for the killing.
Senor Aquino's widow, Corazon, led the demonstrators in Manila, and urged them to say "goodbye" to President Marcos. Red banners denouncing the "US-Marcos dictatorship" prevailed at the demonstration, while in the financial district, where another protest was taking place simultaneously, yellow banners bearing Benign() Aquino's likeness appeared.
POPE John Paul will visit the mountainous principality of Liechtenstein on September 8. Over 85 per cent of the 26,700 population are Catholics and it is hoped that during the papal tour, which includes meetings with the Grand Duke, the establishment of diplomatic links between Liechtenstein and the Vatican will be announced.