Euna Lee and Laura Ling, two U.S. Journalists for Al Gore’s San Francisco-based Current TV arrived at Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport at dawn along with Former President Bill Clinton. Last March Euna Lee and Laura Ling were facing charges for illegal entry in North Korea. Clinton’s diplomatic trip to North Korea secured their release nearly five months after their arrests.

Euna Lee and Laura Ling

Lee emerged from the jetliner first and was greeted by husband Michael Saldate and 4-year-old daughter Hana. She hugged the girl and picked her up before all three embraced in a crushing hug as TV networks beamed the poignant moment live.

Click here for the full story by the Associated Press.

Former Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino dies at 76

Once again the Filipino People weeps due to Former President Cory Aquino’s death. Earlier this morning, her son, Sen. Benigno “Nonoy” Aquino III confirmed that at exactly 3:18 a.m., Corazon Cojuangco Aquino died of cardio-respiratory arrest. Mrs. Aquino had been diagnosed with colon cancer earlier last year and was recently confined at the Makati Medical Center for more than a month.

She will always be remembered as a courageous leader and icon of democracy who helped the country fight for its freedom against a thoughtless dictator. She led the popular people power revolt back in 1986 and this proves her deep love for her country and her love for the Filipino people.

It was reported that at 5 a.m. earlier today, her son, Noynoy read a statement announcing the death of his mother.

The statement read:

“Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m., August 1, 2009, of cardio-respiratory arrest.

“She would have wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country.

“Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang kaunting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.

“Later today, we will be announcing further details of her wake para sa lahat ng ating mga minamahal na kababayan na nais magbigay ng respeto sa aming ina. Maraming salamat po.”

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who is currently in the US, expressed her condolences to the family of Cory Aquino. According the Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Pres. Arroyo is set to declare a week of national mourning. Arroyo is expected to be back in Manila on August 5 after her US visit. Arroyo’s Secretary also stated that under the law, all presidents were entitled to a state funeral but this would be subject to the family’s approval.

Kris Aquino’s close friend and a close friend her family, TV host Boy Abunda told reporters that the Aquino family were praying the Rosary when Cory Aquino gave her “last breath.” After finally realizing she’s gone, all five siblings wept quietly. Kris Aquino, Cory’s youngest daughter on the other hand, was very quiet according to Abunda. She was trying to be brave even after her mother’s death.

Abunda’s actual statement read:

“Malungkot. Tahimik na nag-iiyakan. Tahimik, except for Kris who was very quiet,” he said, referring to the youngest daughter of Mrs. Aquino.

“Kris was very quiet. She was displaying such courage pero noong dindadala palabas mga labi ni Tita Cory… because you have to remember that Kris was in the hospital, Kris was by the side of her mother since July 20 hanggang sa mga oras na yun. Hanggang ngayon si Kris ay nasa tabi ng kanyang ina,” Abunda said.

It was also reported that Fr. Catalino Arevalo, a very close friend of Cory, held a mass after her death.

Source: Inquirer.net