Returning Opposition Figure Hopes to Avoid Aquino’s Fate

A Philippine opposition leader will return home this month after more than three years in self-exile in the United States, aides said Saturday, and supporters are “doing everything possible to prevent a repetition” of the assassination of Benigno S. Aquino Jr.

Jovito S. Salonga, 62, head of a wing of the Liberal Party and a potential presidential candidate, will return to Manila from his home in Los Angeles on Jan. 21, the aides said. He faces possible arrest on subversion charges.

“We’re doing everything possible to prevent a repetition of what happened to (Aquino),” said Liberal Party Vice President Alejandro Roces. “We want to make sure that he is not shot at the airport. If he’s going to be arrested by the military, it should be by a general and not five goons.”

Aquino, who was allowed to go to the United States in 1980 for heart surgery, was returning under false travel documents, but Salonga has been issued a passport, his aides said.

The 21st was chosen as the date of Salonga’s arrival because of the special significance of the day of the month to Filipinos:

--On Aug. 21, 1983, Aquino was assassinated at the airport upon his return from self-exile in the United States. A civilian commission alleged that the armed forces chief was involved in the conspiracy.

--On Sept. 21, 1972, President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared eight years of martial law.

--On Aug. 21, 1971, two fragmentation grenades exploded during a Liberal Party rally, killing 10 people and wounding or maiming 90. Salonga, hit by more than 100 pieces of shrapnel, lost sight in an eye and hearing in an ear.