MANILA – “Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. (1918 GMT Friday) of cardio-respiratory arrest.” Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. told reporters in Manila.

Former President Corazon Aquino, 76 years old, passed away August 1, 2009 in Manila after a long battle against colon cancer.

“She would have wanted us to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continuous love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country,” Aquino Jr said.

The former president was the iconic heroine of the “people power” revolution at EDSA in 1986 that brought down the oppressive dictatorship of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos. She was president of the country from 1986 to 1992. Mrs. Cory Aquino will be sorely missed.

May she rest in peace.