Cory Aquino secured the grace of a happy death.

After more than a year of courageous battle against colon cancer, former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino peacefully joined our beloved Creator 3:18 a.m. on Saturday due to cardio-respiratory arrest, his son Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III confirmed.  She was 76.

“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 your prayers and your continued love and support.  It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country.  Hinihingi po ng aming pamilya ang konting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina,” Sen. Aquino said in his statement.

Prominent television host Boy Abunda, who was also there during the final moments of Mrs. Aquino, also expressed his deep sadness over the death of the former President. Abunda also added that while Mrs. Aquino was in her final moment, she was surrounded by all her children, praying the Holy Rosary, specifically the Sorrowful Mystery.

“When she passed away, kasalukuyang ang kanyang mga anak ay nagda-dasal ng rosary, they were praying the rosary she peacefully passed away.  They were praying the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery which is the Crucifixion and Death of our Lord, doon na siya huminga ng kanyang last gasp,” Abunda said few minutes after the passing of Mrs. Aquino.

Before the tragic incident finally came, members of the media already spotted prominent persons including Abunda as early as 2 a.m. in the vicinity of Makati Medical Center where Mrs. Aquino was previously confined for more than a month until her final breath last Saturday.  Senator Aquino and basketball star James Yap, who is the late former President’s son-in-law, was also seen rushing in the back portion of the hospital.

Abunda said that he was called through cell phone by Mrs. Aquino’s daughter, Kris, that’s why he immediately rushed towards the said hospital.  This action already gave some speculations to the members of the media on the real situation of the former President until the official statement was finally released by her son, Senator Noynoy.

Before the former President rested in peace, a holy mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Catalino Arevallo inside the room where Mrs. Aquino was confined, during which she (Mrs. Aquino) was surrounded by all her children, close family members, and friends.

Father Arevallo also initiated the final rites also known as the “Sacrament of Anointing the Sick” to Mrs. Aquino few minutes before what has been called as her “happy death”.