Former president Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III died "peacefully in his sleep" on Thursday due to kidney disease his sisters said as the Philippines mourned the passing of the 61-year-old leader.
Aquino died at 6:30 a.m. due to renal disease secondary to diabetes, his sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada told reporters.
"No words can express how broken our hearts are," she said hours after the death of the former president.
"Mission accomplished ka, 'Noy. Now, be happy with Mom and Dad...We love you...we will miss you forever," she added.
"PNoy" to the masses, Aquino is the only son of democracy icons Cory and Ninoy, and was elected the 15th president of the Philippines in 2010, shortly after the death of his mother in 2009.
A bachelor until his death, Aquino ran on the platform "Daang Matuwid" and is remembered for the economic gains achieved by the country during his term. It was also during his presidency that the Philippines brought China to the international arbitral tribunal to fight for the West Philippine Sea.
READ: Former President Noynoy Aquino is Dead at 61
After stepping down from office, Aquino stayed largely out of the public eye. He was succeeded by incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.
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