WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House said that former Philippine President Corazon Aquino will be remembered for her “crucial role'' in moving the country to democratic rule through non-violent protest.

Aquino died early Saturday in Manila.

Aquino's “people power” movement took to the streets by the hundreds of thousands in the wake of the disputed presidential election in 1986 in which longtime ruler Ferdinand Marcos claimed victory amid allegations of massive fraud. Marcos eventually accepted an offer of exile in the United States and Aquino became president.

“Aquino played a crucial role in Philippines history, moving the country to democratic rule through her non-violent 'people power' movement,'' White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. Gibbs said President Barack Obama was saddened by Aquino's death.

In a separate statement, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Aquino showed “extraordinary courage'' following the assassination of her husband, Benigno “Ninoy'' Aquino Jr., in 1983 when he returned to the Philippines to challenge Marcos.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the Aquino family and all the people of the Philippines on the death of former President Corazon Aquino. Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president,” Clinton said.

“She helped bring democracy back to the Philippines after many years of authoritarian rule with a faith in her country and its people that never wavered. Like millions of people worldwide, Bill and I were inspired by her quiet strength and her unshakable commitment to justice and freedom. We join the American and Filipino people in honoring her life and memory,” she added.

Clinton got word of Aquino’s death when Filipino journalists sought her comment on the matter, right after her meeting with President Arroyo at the hotel at past 4 p.m.

Shocked, Clinton eulogized Aquino as a brave patriot in helping bring back democracy in the Philippines after years of authoritarian rule.

It was unclear why President Arroyo did not inform Clinton about Aquino's death during their meeting.

Presidential adviser on climate change Heherson Alvarez told reporters that the President learned about the death of the former leader prior to the meeting with Clinton. (With a report from Genalyn Kabiling)