A Position Paper

The Assassination of
Antonio Luna and Benigno Aquino

By:

Atienza, Rod Leonard

Bae, Bridgette Miles V.
Inclan, Samuel S.
Palma, Jianna Ashanti M.
Rosales, Precious Ann C.

IE-1106
 The lives of every Filipino are influenced by history, as it serves as a narrative that shapes the
understanding of our origins. History is not just a mere record of past events, there are
significant events that left a mark on our country and shaped our perspectives and beliefs.
However, these beliefs can sometimes become distorted or biased, leading to
misunderstandings and misconceptions. Striving for an accurate understanding of historical
truths has a significant impact on the lives of every Filipino, especially about the heroes of our
nation who made great sacrifices for their fellow Filipinos. Celebrating important days, such as
National Heroes Day and the People Power Revolution, holds great historical significance for
our nation, marking the times when we gained our freedom. Figures like Antonio Luna and
Benigno Aquino stood firm for the nation until their deaths. But what motivated their
assassinations, and why do their deaths remain significant in Philippine history?

Antonio Luna, a general in the Revolutionary Army against American rule, played a significant
role in our history by leading in the war. He was known as "Artikulo Uno" for his strict
enforcement of discipline among the soldiers and officers of the revolutionary army. His efforts
ended tragically when he was assassinated by Filipino soldiers allied with former President
Aguinaldo. Similarly, Benigno Aquino was killed by fellow Filipino soldiers. He was assassinated
upon his arrival at Manila Airport, now called Ninoy Aquino International Airport. His death
united the Filipino people, leading to the People Power Revolution of 1986, which ultimately
removed Marcos from power. The assassinations of both Luna and Aquino are widely believed
to have been politically motivated, highlighting the dangers of power struggles in Philippine
history. These heroes are important figures for their leadership and sacrifices in the fight for the
country’s freedom. Despite their commitment to supporting their fellow Filipinos, they tragically
lost their lives at the hands of their own countrymen.

The assassinations of Antonio Luna and Ninoy Aquino reveals how political betrayal
historically stifled the Philippines. Both were significant threats to the political establishments of
their time. Antonio Luna was a military strategist and a heroic General known for his dedication
for independence which led to him gaining enemies in both political and military fields. As for
Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., he was the chief opposition leader during the era of martial law in
the Philippines (1972–1981) under President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The senator was critical
about the administration, particularly the Marcos regime.

Antonio Luna’s unpopularity, despite his military prowess, underscores the complexities of
leadership in a revolutionary context. His strong personality and strict discipline as the General
in the Philippine Revolutionary Army likely fueled fears among people, particularly Aguinaldo,
who was caught between the military’s demands and political strategies. He clashed with the
other leaders and his aggressive strategies put him on the pedestal with others and Aguinaldo's
leadership. The idea that Aguinaldo feared assassination at Luna's hands signals a deep-seated
paranoia that often accompanies the struggle for power. According to historians, Aguinaldo was
given two options in the revolution. Luna, an upright leader who pushed for independence, or
allies who pledged fealty to his political ambitions. He chose the latter. His assassination was
not merely the result of personal conflicts, it was a strategic move to maintain political control.

“I’d rather die a meaningful death than lead a meaningless life.” Upon returning from his exile on
August 21, 1983, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. was assassinated creating an uproar in the
Philippines. During his first year as a senator in 1968, he openly criticized Marcos. He stated
that the Marcos government “balloons the armed forces budget”, saddling the defense
establishment with “overstaying generals" and "Militarizing civilian government offices”. Marcos
wants Aquino to stay out in politics but Aquino pleads with Marcos to be the one to step down
and make the country experience democracy. Aquino and Sen. Diokno were two of the first to
be arrested when Martial Law was declared on September 21, 1972. On their heads were
charges of unspeakable crimes but they still protested justice. His vocal criticism of the Marcos
regime and his leadership made him a target, as those in power viewed him as a threat capable
of disrupting the political order.

The search for truth and justice in these cases is about more than just punishing those who did
wrong. It's about making sure that history is recorded accurately, that the victims are
remembered, and that we learn from these tragedies. It's about holding people responsible for
their actions and preventing similar violence from happening again. By continuing to look into
these killings, we can work towards a more just and peaceful future for the Philippines.

In conclusion, the legacies of Antonio Luna and Benigno Aquino remind us of the complexities
and dangers inherent in the struggle for power and freedom. Their tragic deaths serve as
poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by those who fight for justice and democracy. As we
reflect on their contributions and the circumstances surrounding their assassinations, we must
strive to honor their memories by promoting a deeper understanding of our history.

This commitment to truth not only honors our heroes but also paves the way for a brighter future
for the Filipino people. By acknowledging the political betrayals that have marred our past, we
foster a collective awareness that encourages us to be vigilant against similar injustices in the
present. Educating ourselves and future generations about these historical truths is essential for
building a society that values integrity, unity, and the protection of democratic ideals.

Moreover, we must recognize that the lessons learned from the sacrifices of Luna and Aquino
are not confined to the pages of history. They compel us to engage actively in our democratic
processes, advocating for transparency, accountability, and justice. By doing so, we ensure that
their struggles are not in vain and that the fight for freedom continues to inspire action and hope
within our communities

Ultimately, the stories of Luna and Aquino remind us that while the past is filled with challenges
and betrayals, it also offers us the resilience to overcome adversity. As we commemorate their
sacrifices, let us reaffirm our commitment to uphold the values they embodied and strive for a
Philippines where truth prevails, justice is served, and every citizen can participate freely in
shaping our nation's future. Together, we can create a legacy that honors their memory and
empowers generations to come.