Arevalo said that the four are trained to undertake ceremonial rites especially in such difficult task to be immobile. Part of their training is to resist the “call of nature.” Many who witnessed the funeral cortege don’t miss the four honor guards as they stood on top of the flat-bed truck despite the pouring of rain. Aside from the former president and the Aquino family, these honor guards were also the center of attention in the online community.

The four honor guards boarded the said truck after the requiem mass at around 11 am. They truck where they were boarded reached the Manila Memorial Park past 8 pm. Arevalo also said that “apart from discipline inherent in security forces, the prestige of the various services of the AFP and PNP is at stake here.”

He also disclosed that aside from skills that these honor guards acquired from training, it was also the honor and privilege to stand beside the remains of the democracy icon. He also believed that it was their tribute to the former President.

According to Murad, that they appreciated the efforts of Cory’s late husband, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. to expose the “Jabidah massacre”where dozens of Muslims were killed by members of the now defunct Philippine Constabulary. Murad also agreed that Cory is indeed the icon of democracy as she resisted and fought the acts of the former dictator who enslaved the nation by proclaiming Martial Law.

During the Aquino administration the MILF was also recognized as a “partner in achieving peace in Mindanao.” The efforts made by the former president only drew her closer to the hearts of the Muslim. It was also during her leadership that extended the hand of peace with the late Chairman Salamat Hashim in Maguindano through her then Interior Secretary Aquilino Pimentel Jr. who acted as her “emissary”.

The cortege left the Manila Cathedral past 11 a.m. and is expected to be at the Manila Memorial Part by 3 p.m. But after 5 hours, the truck is still in the street because it can’t get through the huge crowd of an estimated number of 200,000 people who want to catch a last glimpse of Cory.

Rain did not stop the people from being part of this momentous occasion. What is even more notable is that everyone can feel the solidarity of people from all walks of life because of their love for the president. There are even helicopters that threw petals of red and white roses.

Militant groups who supported Cory during the People Power also greeted the hearse as it reaches the corner of Kalaw and Roxas Boulevard. According to Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr, “It is our hope that the tremendous display of national solidarity of the past few days will carry on even after today. May Mrs. Aquino’s life continue to inspire our people to fight tyranny and abuse whenever and wherever these are present.”

As the cortege passed by the poor section of Manila, even children who were clad with yellow ribbons tied to their heads rushed to the truck despite the security personnel who tried to push them. Also, navy personnel and policemen saluted their late commander-in-chief and the ships docked along Manila Bay sounded mournful horns.

The Marcoses are known political rivals of the Aquino family as it was former president Ferdinand Marcos who is blamed for the death of Ninoy Aquino, while it was Cory who is the cause of the Marcos exile.

Bongbong and Imee declined interview attempts by the media telling that they were just there to show their sympathy to the Aquino family.

“Wala, nakikiramay kami (We are only condoling with them),” Bongbong told reporters when asked what their visit meant.

In response, Senator Benigno “Noynoy”Aquino III, Mrs. Aquino’s only son, said that his family has always been open to the idea of reconciliation with the Marcoses.

“Kami ay napapasalamat at siguro nga ho pwede maging isang daan yan na baka magkalapitan ng pananaw para sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa [We are thankful, and perhaps this can be a way for us to understand each other more for the sake of the country],” said Senator Noynoy Aquino.

María Corazón “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino
(January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009)

“We’re not loosing hope that miracle will happen,” Muntinlupa congressman Ruffy Biazon said in an interview after a mass offering made by members of the congress.

“Symbol ito ng support kay Tita Cory na hindi natin siya iniiwan,” Quezon representative Erin Tañada added.

Though reports say that Cory Aquino is now in a stable condition, she is still being attended by members of her family due to fluctuating blood pressure.