(Update) Arroyo declares 10-day mourning for Cory

MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed her condolonces with the Aquino family for the death of former President Corazon Aquino and declared a 10-day period of national mourning.

"Today the Philippines lost a national treasure. Cory Aquino helped lead a revolution that restored democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril. Our nation will mourn her passing. History was thrust upon her when her noble husband was cut down in the prime of his life as he fought for democracy and rule of law. She picked up the standard from the fallen warrior Ninoy and helped lead our nation to a brighter day," she said."I am announcing today that we will officially observe a 10-day period of national mourning. Our hearts go out to the family at this hour of grief and sorrow. The nation prays for Cory and her family," President Arroyo said.Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, in an earlier interview with dzMM said the Palace would announce a week-long period of national mourning.Remonde said the details of the official mourning and state funeral will depend on the Aquino family. Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo learned of the former president's death while they were in a convoy from Washington D.C. to Andrews Air Base.

Mrs. Aquino died at 3:18 a.m. August 1 at the age of 76.


s0urce: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/31/09/arroyo-declares-week-long-mourning-cory