Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, the icon of democracy and people power in the Philippines and around the world, passed away at 3:18 a.m. on Saturday after more than a year of courageous battle against colon cancer, his son Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said. She was 76.

The official cause of death was cardio-respiratory arrest, Noynoy said in a statement read to members of the media at around 5:15 a.m. at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) where the former President had been con- fined since June 25 this year.

 "Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m., August 1, 2009, of cardio-respiratory arrest," Noynoy said. "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 for our country."

Before Noynoy confirmed the tragic event, members of the media spotted prominent personalities, including TV host Boy Abunda as early as 2 a.m. in the vicinity of MMC.

Noynoy and basketball star James Yap, husband of Kris Aquino, were also seen rushing towards the back entrance of the hospital. Abunda said he had received a phone call from Mrs. Aquino’s daughter Kris, prompting him to rush to the hospital.

Abunda said Mrs. Aquino was surrounded by all her five children – Ma. Elena “Balsy” A. Cruz, Victoria Eliza “Viel” A. Dee, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” A. Abellada, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and Kristina Bernadette “Kris” A. Yap. They prayed the Holy Rosary, specifically the Sorrowful Mystery, in her final moments, Abunda said.

“When she passed away, kasalukuyang ang kanyang mga anak ay nagdadasal ng rosary. They were praying the rosary when she peacefully passed away. They were praying the fifth sorrowful mystery which is the Cruxificion and Death of our Lord, doon na siya huminga nang kanyang last gasp,” Abunda said.

Fr. Catalino Arevalo, a close friend of the Aquino family, conducted the final rites known as the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick to Mrs. Aquino a few minutes before her death.

Fr. Arevalo earlier held a holy mass inside the room where Mrs. Aquino was confined. She was surrounded by all her children, close family members and friends.

Mrs. Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer in March last year and underwent a series of chemotherapy treatment. Last May, she underwent surgery to remove parts of her colon.

Last June 25, she was brought to the MMC due to loss of appetite. She never left the hospital as her worsening condition unleashed waves of emotional outpouring in the country.