Aquino’s Son Approached Wrong Troops

Benigno S. (Noynoy) Aquino III said Saturday that he was wounded during Friday’s coup attempt when he approached what he thought were loyal troops and told them he was President Corazon Aquino’s son.

Three of Aquino’s bodyguards were killed and another seriously wounded when rebel troops fired at them as they returned home around 2 a.m. Friday.

Aquino said he had rushed back after learning of shooting in the area.

He said he spotted a group of soldiers and, thinking they were “our forces,” Aquino identified himself, saying: “We’re on the same side. I’m Noynoy Aquino.”

“They started firing,” Aquino said, and a bodyguard “managed to pull me down and shield me with his body.” Another burst of gunfire seriously wounded the bodyguard, he added.

Aquino said he managed to reach a portable radio and called for help.

“I believe they wanted to ensure we were killed. (When) someone approached me,” Aquino said. “I pretended I was . . . seriously injured. . . . I pleaded with him and he hesitated.”

At that point, an armored personnel carrier arrived to rescue him.