In a message said that Aquino’s demise was a great loss not only to the Philippines but also in the international community.
“The people and government of theRepublic of Palau grieve with the people of the Philippines for the recent and heartbreaking loss of one of their great leaders, former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Aquino,” Toribiong said.The president lauded Aquino for her struggle to defend the democracy in the Philippines.“She showed extraordinary courage and unshakable strength in her commitment to justice and freedom which helped bring democracy back to her people,” Toribiong said.Aquino led the 1986 “people power” revolt that ousted long-time Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos.She is a democracy icon having committed herself to the freedom of the Filipino people. Aquino, 76, died early Saturday at a Manila hospital after a yearlong battle with colon cancer. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a 10-day national mourning period starting Saturday, and her aides said she would cut short a US trip.Pope Benedict XVI expressed his condolences to Mrs Aquino’s family and the Philippine government, recalling her “courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people.US President Barack Obama also offered her condolences to Aquino’s family.
