former President Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino died. She is 76.

The beacon of freedom and democracy has passed away. Philippines' former President Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino has a hard battle with the Big C (colon cancer) and she reportedly died of cardio respiratory arrest at the Makati Medical Center, 3:18AM. She was 76.

Here’s a statement from the Aquino family:

“Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. August 1, 2009 of cardio respiratory arrest. She would have wanted us 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 our country. Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang konting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.”

She is an icon, President of free people and a mother with full of faith. Millions of people from the Philippines and around the world is prayer for her soul and her family.