Aquino, Philippine ex-leader who challenged the might of China, will always be fondly remembered

A supporter sits beside a picture of former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III beside his tomb on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at a memorial park in suburban Paranaque city, Philippines. Aquino was buried in austere state rites during the pandemic Saturday with many remembering him for standing up to China over territorial disputes, striking a peace deal with Muslim guerrillas and defending democracy in a South-East Asian nation where his parents helped topple a dictator. He was 61. - AP

MANILA, June 26 (AP): Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was buried on Saturday with thousands lining the streets of Manila to remember him for standing up to China in bitter territorial disputes, striking a peace deal with Muslim guerrillas and defending democracy in the Southeast Asian nation where his parents helped topple a dictator.

Aquino died Thursday at age 61 of kidney disease arising from diabetes following a long public absence, after his single, six-year term ended in 2016. Family and friends sang a patriotic song after a silver urn with Aquino's remains was placed beside the tomb of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino. Military honors included a 21-gun salute at the private cemetery.